Post Doctoral Scholarship Opportunity - June 2025
The Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuel Laboratory (https://sites.google.com/unicamp.br/a2g-lab) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Associate. Directed by Lee Lynd, a Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth College in the USA (https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/faculty/lee-lynd/) and São Paulo Excellence Chair Professor at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), the goal of the A2G lab is to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation (2G) technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane feedstocks at much lower cost than today’s technology. The project integrates life sciences, engineering, and innovation involving thermophilic, lignocellulose-fermenting anaerobic bacteria able to convert cellulosic feedstocks to ethanol without added enzymes.
We are recruiting one Postdoctoral Associate with interest in Biotechnology and Metabolic Engineering. The selected candidate will work at the A2G Lab at the Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG/UNICAMP).
Support is provided for a 1.5 year scholarship from FAPESP linked to a BIOEN SPEC Project (https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/auxilios/106030/laboratorio-de-biocombustiveis-avancados-de-segunda-geracao), with possible extension.
The main research theme for this position is the metabolic engineering of thermophilic bacteria focusing on expressing a heterologous glycerol pathway.
Desired skills include molecular biology applied to non-model microorganisms, metabolic engineering, HPLC analyses, fermentation science, and microbiology involving anaerobic thermophilic bacteria. Selected candidates will be part of an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp as well as an international network of collaborative researchers.
Applications should be sent to lwb@unicamp.br, written in English, and include: a CV, a cover letter describing experience and motivation and contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates.
Period for application: until June 22th, 2025.
Lab Manager/Post Doctoral Scholarship Opportunity - February 2025
The Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuel Laboratory is recruiting a Lab Manager/Post Doctoral Associate. Directed by Lee Lynd, a Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth College in the USA (https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/faculty/lee-lynd/) and São Paulo Excellence Chair Professor at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), the goal of the A2G lab is to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation (2G) technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane feedstocks at much lower cost than today’s technology. The project integrates life sciences, engineering, and innovation involving thermophilic, lignocellulose-fermenting anaerobic bacteria able to convert cellulosic feedstocks to ethanol without added enzymes. Support is available for 1 year scholarship from FAEPEX/UNICAMP ("Bolsa de Pós-Doc em Gestão Executiva em Ciência e Tecnologia” - https://prp.unicamp.br/faepex/manual/tabela-de-valores/), with potential extension thereafter.
The selected candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp as well as an international network of collaborative researchers. Responsibilities will include:
Leveraging the time of the Assistant Director by performing project management duties of labs at the Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG) and Chemical Engineering Faculty (FEQ), including ordering equipment and supplies, monitoring finances and stocks, and participating in project reporting;
Instructing entering lab members on techniques;
Participating in industrial initiatives involving technology transfer;
Participating in research pursuant to the goals of the lab as time allows.
This position entails management responsibilities beyond those of a normal academic post doc, and thus provides distinctive professional development opportunities. Qualified candidates will have a PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biology or closely-related discipline, and must be fluent in Portuguese and fluent or nearly so in English. Desired qualities include enthusiasm, aptitude and experience for management, good time management and communication skills, and a record of accomplishment in research. Valued skills include fermentation science, biochemical engineering, microbiology, biotechnology, and biomass conversion. The selected candidate will be based at CBMEG.
Applications should be sent to lwb@unicamp.br, written in English, and include: (i) a cover letter describing experience and motivation, (ii) a CV, and (iii) contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with selected candidates.
Period for application: until March 14th, 2025.
Beginning of activities: Immediately.
Post Doctoral Scholarship Opportunity - February 2025
The Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuel Laboratory (https://sites.google.com/unicamp.br/a2g-lab) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Associate. Directed by Lee Lynd, a Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth College in the USA (https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/faculty/lee-lynd/) and São Paulo Excellence Chair Professor at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), the goal of the A2G lab is to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation (2G) technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane feedstocks at much lower cost than today’s technology. The project integrates life sciences, engineering, and innovation involving thermophilic, lignocellulose-fermenting anaerobic bacteria able to convert cellulosic feedstocks to ethanol without added enzymes.
We are recruiting one Postdoctoral Associate with interest in Biomass processing and Bioprocess engineering. The selected candidate will work at the A2G Lab at the Chemical Engineering School (FEQ/UNICAMP).
Support is provided for 1 year scholarship from FAPESP linked to a BIOEN SPEC Project (https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/auxilios/106030/laboratorio-de-biocombustiveis-avancados-de-segunda-geracao), with possible extension.
Research themes include:
• Consolidated bioprocessing of bagasse at high solids loading using thermophilic bacteria
• Fermentation with hemicellulose-utilizing cultures
• Development of consolidated bioprocessing in complex substrates and ethanologenic bacteria
Desired skills include bioreactor operation, troubleshooting and design - particularly involving solid substrates and submerged fermentation -, fermentation science, and microbiology involving anaerobic thermophiilic bacteria. Selected candidates will be part of an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp as well as an international network of collaborative researchers.
Applications should be sent to lwb@unicamp.br, written in English, and include: a CV, a cover letter describing experience and motivation and contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates.
Period for application: until March 3th, 2025.
Lab Manager/Post Doctoral Scholarship Opportunity - September 2024
The Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuel Laboratory (https://sites.google.com/unicamp.br/a2g-lab) is recruiting a Lab Manager/Post Doctoral Associate. Directed by Lee Lynd, a Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth College in the USA (https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/faculty/lee-lynd/) and São Paulo Excellence Chair Professor at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), the goal of the A2G lab is to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation (2G) technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane feedstocks at much lower cost than today’s technology. The project integrates life sciences, engineering, and innovation involving thermophilic, lignocellulose-fermenting anaerobic bacteria able to convert cellulosic feedstocks to ethanol without added enzymes. Support is available for 1.5 year scholarship from FAEPEX/UNICAMP ("Bolsa de Pós-Doc em Gestão Executiva em Ciência e Tecnologia” - https://prp.unicamp.br/faepex/manual/tabela-de-valores/), with potential extension thereafter.
The selected candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp as well as an international network of collaborative researchers. Responsibilities will include:
Leveraging the time of the Assistant Director by performing project management duties of labs at the Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG) and Chemical Engineering Faculty (FEQ), including ordering equipment and supplies, monitoring finances, and participating in project reporting;
Instructing entering lab members on techniques;
Participating in industrial initiatives involving technology transfer;
Participating in research pursuant to the goals of the lab as time allows.
This position entails management responsibilities beyond those of a normal academic post doc, and thus provides distinctive professional development opportunities. Qualified candidates will have a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology or closely-related discipline, and must be fluent in Portuguese and fluent or nearly so in English. Desired qualities include enthusiasm, aptitude and experience for management, good time management and communication skills, and a record of accomplishment in research. Valued skills include fermentation science, biochemical engineering, microbiology, biotechnology, and biomass conversion. The selected candidate can be based either at CBMEG or at FEQ.
Applications should be sent to lwb@unicamp.br, written in English, and include: a CV, a cover letter describing experience and motivation and contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates. Period for application: until September 22th, 2024.
Post Doctoral Scholarship Opportunity - November 2023
The Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuel Laboratory (https://sites.google.com/unicamp.br/a2g-lab) is recruiting Postdoctoral Associates. Directed by Lee Lynd, a Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth College in the USA (https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/faculty/lee-lynd/) and São Paulo Excellence Chair Professor at the University of Campinas (Unicamp), the goal of the A2G lab is to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation (2G) technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane feedstocks at much lower cost than today’s technology. Midway through its 3rd year with newly-established facilities, the project integrates life sciences, engineering, and innovation involving thermophilic, lignocellulose-fermenting anaerobic bacteria able to convert cellulosic feedstocks to ethanol without added enzymes.
Support is available for four 2-year postdoctoral scholarships from the São Paulo Research Foundation linked to a Thematic Project (https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/auxilios/106030/laboratorio-de-biocombustiveis-avancados-de-segunda-geracao). Selected candidates will work in one of the following projects as part of an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp and an international network of collaborative researchers.
Applications should be sent to lwb@unicamp.br, written in English, and include: a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, the position(s) you are interested in and contact information for three references. Evaluation will begin on November 30, with virtual interviews held during the first two weeks of December.
Post Doctoral Scholarship Opportunity - November 2022
We are recruiting one Postdoctoral Associate with interest in Biomass processing, Bioprocess engineering, and/or Biotechnology. Selected candidates will work at the A2G Lab at the Chemical Engineering School (FEQ/UNICAMP). Support is provided for 2 years scholarships with possible extension from the São Paulo Research Foundation linked to a Thematic Project (https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/auxilios/106030/laboratorio-de-biocombustiveis-avancados-de-segunda-geracao).
The Thematic project aims to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation (2G) technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane and energy cane at much lower cost than today’s technology. The project will integrate life sciences, engineering, and innovation involving thermophilic, lignocellulose-fermenting anaerobic bacteria able to convert cellulosic feedstocks to ethanol without added enzymes.
Research themes include:
• Milling during fermentation (cotreatment) in lieu of thermochemical pretreatment
• Consolidated bioprocessing of bagasse at high solids loading using thermophilic bacteria
• Lignocellulose-fermenting microbiomes and adaptive evolution
• Development and characterization of hemicellulose-utilizing cultures
Desired skills include bioreactor operation and design - particularly involving solid substrates, fermentation science, and microbiology. Selected candidates will be part of an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp as well as an international network of collaborative researchers, and will be expected to spend some time working in the U.S. during their research projects.
Applications should be written in English, and include: a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, and contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates.
E-mail for application: lwb@unicamp.com
Period for application: until January 15th, 2023
The Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuels Laboratory is recruiting one graduate student with interest in Biomass processing, Bioprocess engineering, and/or Biotechnology to initiate Ph.D. studies in the first semester of 2023 (March). The A2G Lab (https://sites.google.com/unicamp.br/a2g-lab) is directed by Lee Lynd, a Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth College (USA) and São Paulo Excellence Chair Professor at UNICAMP. Selected students will be enrolled in the Chemical Engineering Doctoral Program (FEQ/UNICAMP), supported by a FAPESP scholarship.
The A2G project aim is to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation (2G) technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane and energy cane at much lower cost than today’s technology. Once proven for ethanol, this approach is expected to be enabling for other fuel molecules.
Themes of Ph.D. projects include:
• Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of sugar cane feedstocks using thermophilic cellulolytic and saccharolytic bacteria.
• Physiological characterization of microorganisms potentially useful for CBP.
• Mechanical disruption during fermentation (cotreatment) in lieu of thermochemical pretreatment to increase the accessibility of lignocellulose to biological attack.
• Optimizing cultivation conditions relevant to industrial processing of lignocellulosic feedstocks
We are looking for motivated students who wish to get a PhD in Chemical Engineering and have recently received their bachelor’s degree in chemical, food, or bioprocesses engineering or biotechnology. Prior research experience in microbiology and interest in fermentation science is a plus.
Students will participate in an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp as well as in an international network of collaborative researchers, and will be expected to spend some time working in the United States during their Ph.D. studies.
Applications should be written in English and include a resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, and names and contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates.
E-mail for application: a2g.unicamp@gmail.com
Deadline for application: November 20th, 2022.
Starting date: March 2023
About the position
We are currently seeking chemical engineers interested in completing a Ph.D. dual degree in Chemical Engineering at FEQ/UNICAMP, Brazil, and the Department of Biotechnology at TU Delft, The Netherlands.
The Ph.D. would be jointly supervised by Professor Adriano Mariano (FEQ/UNICAMP), Prof. John Posada (TUDelft, The Netherlands), and Professor Lee Lynd (Dartmouth College, USA), and would take place principally at UNICAMP and partially at TUDelft.
The A2G project aims to develop and enable the deployment of disruptive second-generation (2G) technology for the sustainable production of bioethanol from sugarcane and energy cane at a much lower cost than today’s technology (https://sites.google.com/unicamp.br/a2g-lab).
Project summary
The Ph.D. subject area will be related to the one-step consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of sugarcane bagasse for ethanol production, and it will be focused on the following:
1. Industrial process electrification - integration of Heat Pumps (incl. vapor-recompression) into distillation columns
2. Simulation work
3. Techno-economic Analysis (TEA)
4. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)
Funding agency: a research proposal will be submitted to FAPESP (https://bv.fapesp.br/en/10/scholarships-in-brazil/).
Language skills requirement: Reasonable fluency in English is essential; however, TOEFL exam scores are not necessary. Potential candidates will be interviewed by Google Meet in English.
Minimum Education Requirement: Graduate student applicants should have either a first degree or a master’s degree in chemical engineering or a related subject area, a strong academic record, and an interest in process design and life cycle analysis (LCA). Additional background in biorefinery and/or work experience is desirable but not critical.
Applications should be written in English and include a resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, and names and contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates.
E-mail for application: adpm@unicamp.br (to Adriano Mariano)
Period for application: until November 20th, 2022.
Lab Manager/Post Doctoral Scholarship Opportunity - November 2022
We are recruiting a Lab Manager/Post Doctoral Associate. Supported by a thematic grant from FAPESP, the overall project aim is to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane and energy cane at much lower cost than today’s technology. This position is supported by the University of Campinas in conjunction with a FAPESP-supported São Paulo Excellence Chair held by lab Director Lee Lynd of Dartmouth College in the United States (https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/faculty/lee-lynd/). An initial appointment of 2 years is anticipated with potential extension thereafter. The position comes with a scholarhship equivalent to FAPESP post doctoral scholarship.
The selected candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp as well as an international network of collaborative researchers. Responsibilities will include:
• Leveraging the time of the Assistant Director by performing project management duties including estabishment of labs at the Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG) and Chemical Engineering Faculty (FEQ), ordering equipment and supplies, monitoring finances, and participating in project reporting;
• Instructing entering lab members on techniques;
• Participating in research pursuant to the goals of the lab as time allows, with potential for first-author publications in the archival literature.
This position entails management responsibilities beyond those of a normal academic post doc, and thus provides distinctive professional development opportunities. Qualified candidates will have a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology or closely-related discipline, and must be fluent in Portuguese and fluent or nearly so in English. Desired qualities include enthusiasm, aptitude and experience for management, good time management and communication skills, and a record of accomplishment in research. Valued skills include fermentation science, biochemical engineering, microbiology, biotechnology, and biomass conversion.
Applications should be written in English and include a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, and contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates.
E-mail for application: a2g.unicamp@gmail.com
Period for application: until November 30th, 2022.
Postdoctoral Associate (Biotechnology Team) - August 2022
The Ae Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuel Laboratory (https://sites.google.com/unicamp.br/a2g-lab) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Associate for the Biotechnology team. The A2G Lab is directed by Lee Lynd, a Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth College in the USA (https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/faculty/lee-lynd/) and São Paulo Excellence Chair Professor at the University of Campinas (Unicamp). Selected candidates will work at Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG)/UNICAMP. Support is provided for 2-year scholarships with possible extension from the São Paulo Research Foundation linked to a Thematic Project (https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/auxilios/106030/laboratorio-de-biocombustiveis-avancados-de-segunda-geracao).
The Thematic project aims to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation (2G) technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane and energy cane at much lower cost than today’s technology. The project will integrate life sciences, engineering, and innovation involving thermophilic, lignocellulose-fermenting anaerobic bacteria able to convert cellulosic feedstocks to ethanol without added enzymes.
For this postdoctorate position, we are looking for a candidate with background in microbiology and molecular biology, and experience with PCR, molecular cloning, and bacterial cell culture (preferably thermophiles, anaerobes, or both) techniques. Selected candidates will be part of an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp as well as an international network of collaborative researchers, and will be expected to spend some time working in the U.S. during their research projects.
Applications should be sent to a2g.unicamp@gmail.com, written in English, and include: a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, and contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates.
It is required availability to move to Campinas, SP.
Deadline for aplication: October 30th, 2022.
Post Doctoral Scholarship Opportunities - December 2021
The Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuel Laboratory (https://sites.google.com/unicamp.br/a2g-lab) is recruiting four Postdoctoral Associates. The A2G Lab is directed by Lee Lynd, a Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth College in the USA (https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/faculty/lee-lynd/) and São Paulo Excellence Chair Professor at the University of Campinas (Unicamp). Selected candidates will work at one of the two hosts of the A2G Lab at Unicamp: the Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG) and Chemical Engineering Faculty (FEQ). Support is provided for 2 year scholarships with possible extension from the São Paulo Research Foundation linked to a Thematic Project (https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/auxilios/106030/laboratorio-de-biocombustiveis-avancados-de-segunda-geracao).
The Thematic project aims to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation (2G) technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane and energy cane at much lower cost than today’s technology. The project will integrate life sciences, engineering, and innovation involving thermophilic, lignocellulose-fermenting anaerobic bacteria able to convert cellulosic feedstocks to ethanol without added enzymes. Themes include:
Biotechnology (at CBMEG)
• Protein engineering to improve the functionality of critical enzymes
• Trouble-shooting heterologous metabolic pathways in E. coli
• Development and application of biotechnology techniques for non-model microbes
• Diagnosis and remediation of factors limiting industrial robustness
Microbial Cellulose Utilization (at FEQ)
• Milling during fermentation (cotreatment) in lieu of thermochemical pretreatment
• Consolidated bioprocessing of bagasse at high solids loading using thermophilic bacteria
• Lignocellulose-fermenting microbiomes and adaptive evolution
• Development and characterization of hemicellulose-utilizing cultures
Desired skills include molecular biology, microbiology (including microbial ecology), genetic engineering, fermentation science, and kinetics and reactor design. Selected candidates will be part of an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp as well as an international network of collaborative researchers, and will be expected to spend some time working in the U.S. during their research projects.
Applications should be sent to a2g.unicamp@gmail.com, written in English, and include: a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, and contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates.
It is required availability to move to Campinas, SP.
Application deadline: January 30th, 2022.
Project Manager/Post Doctoral Scholarship Opportunity - July 2021
The Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuel Laboratory (https://sites.google.com/unicamp.br/a2g-lab) is recruiting a Project Manager/Post Doctoral Associate. Supported by a thematic grant from FAPESP, the overall project aim is to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane and energy cane at much lower cost than today’s technology. This position is supported by the University of Campinas in conjunction with a FAPESP-supported São Paulo Excellence Chair held by lab Director Lee Lynd of Dartmouth College in the United States (https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/faculty/lee-lynd/). An initial appointment of 2 years is anticipated with potential extension thereafter. The position comes with a monthly stipend equivalent to a CAPES or FAPESP post doctoral scholarship, with the amount depending on the candidate’s experience.
The selected candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp as well as an international network of collaborative researchers. Responsibilities will include:
• Leveraging the time of the Assistant Director by performing project management duties including estabishment of labs at the Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG) and Chemical Engineering Faculty (FEQ), ordering equipment and supplies, monitoring finances, and participating in project reporting;
• Instructing entering lab members on techniques;
• Participating in research pursuant to the goals of the lab as time allows, with potential for first-author publications in the archival literature.
This position entails management responsibilities beyond those of a normal academic post doc, and thus provides distinctive professional development opportunities. Qualified candidates will have a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology or closely-related discipline, and must be fluent in Portuguese and fluent or nearly so in English. Desired qualities include enthusiasm, aptitude and experience for management, good time management and communication skills, and a record of accomplishment in research. Valued skills include fermentation science, biochemical engineering, microbiology, biotechnology, and biomass conversion.
Applications should be sent to a2g.unicamp@gmail.com, written in English, and include: a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, and contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates. Candidate evaluation will begin during the second week of June, with hopes of a start-date shortly thereafter.
PhD position at the A2G lab (FEQ/Unicamp) - 1st semester 2021 (March)
The Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuels Laboratory is recruiting two graduate students with interests in biomass processing, bioprocess engineering, and/or biotechnology to initiate Ph.D. studies in the first semester of 2021. Selected students will be enrolled in the Chemical Engineering Doctoral Program (FEQ/UNICAMP), supported by a FAPESP Doutorado Direto scholarship (http://www.fapesp.br/278).
Themes of PhD projects include:
• Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of bagasse at high solids using thermophilic bacteria.
• Bagasse-fermenting microbiomes and microbial ecology: Fundamentals and applications.
We are looking for motivated students, recently graduated in chemical, food, biotechnology or bioprocesses engineering. Prior research experience in scientific projects is a plus.
Applications should be written in English and include: a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, graduation grades record and three recommendation letters. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates.
E-mail for application: a2g.unicamp@gmail.com (to Sindelia Freitas)
Period for application: until November 30th, 2020.
PhD position for LCA analysis (FEQ/Unicamp) - 1st semester 2021 (March)
Research area
Process Systems Engineering (TEA & LCA, and process simulation) and experimental research
About the position
We are currently seeking chemical engineers (or related professionals) interested in completing a PhD in Chemical Engineering at FEQ/UNICAMP, Brazil. The PhD would be jointly supervised by Professor Adriano Mariano (FEQ/UNICAMP) and Professor Lee Lynd (Dartmouth College, USA), and would take place principally at UNICAMP and partially at Dartmouth College.
The A2G project aim is to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation (2G) technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugarcane and energy cane at much lower cost than today’s technology (https://bv.fapesp.br/en/auxilios/106030/advanced-second-generation-biofuels-laboratory/).
The A2G Lab (https://sites.google.com/unicamp.br/a2g-lab) is directed by Lee Lynd, a Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth College in the USA and São Paulo Excellence Chair Professor at UNICAMP.
Project summary
The PhD subject area will be related to the one-step consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of sugarcane bagasse for ethanol production under development at the A2G lab:
- Techno-economic Analysis (TEA)
- Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)
- Simulation work with a laboratory project involving kinetics and reactor design
Supervisor : Adriano Mariano (Assistant Professor, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas – UNICAMP)
Co-supervisor: Lee Lynd (Paul and Joan Queneau Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Adjunct Professor of Biology,
Dartmouth College)
PhD program
PH.D. IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(https://www.feq.unicamp.br/index.php/pos-graduacao-lateral/english)
Language skills requirement
Reasonable fluency in English is essential; however, TOEFL exam scores are not necessary. Potential candidates will be interviewed by Google Meet in English.
Minimum Education Requirement
Graduate student applicants should have either a first degree or a master’s degree in chemical engineering or a related subject area, a strong academic record, and an interest in process design and life cycle analysis (LCA). Additional background in biorefinery and/or work experience is desirable but not critical.
Funding agency
Research proposal to be written by the candidate and submitted to:
The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)
Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct) if you don´t have a master´s degree (https://bv.fapesp.br/en/213/scholarships-in-brazil-doctorate-direct/)
Scholarships in Brazil – Doctorate if you have a master´s degree
(https://bv.fapesp.br/en/212/scholarships-in-brazil-doctorate/)
Application
Applications should be written in English and include a resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, and names and contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates.
E-mail for application: a2g.unicamp@gmail.com (to Sindelia Freitas)
Period for application: until November 30th, 2020.
Doctoral scholarship (CBMEG/UNICAMP) - October 2020
The A2G Lab is recruiting three graduate students with interests in Biotechnology and Metabolic Engineering to initiate Ph.D. studies in the first semester of 2021. Selected students will be enrolled in the Genetics and Molecular Biology Program (Biology Institute/UNICAMP) and will be supported by a FAPESP scholarship linked to the Thematic Project coordinated by Lee Lynd (https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/auxilios/106030/laboratorio-de-biocombustiveis-avancados-de-segunda-geracao).
The Thematic project aims to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation (2G) technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane and energy cane at much lower cost than today’s technology. Biotechnology activity will focus on increased fundamental understanding and synthetic biology-enabled innovation pursuant to engineering cultures of thermophilic, lignocellulose-fermenting anaerobic bacteria able to efficiently convert 2G feedstocks to ethanol without added enzymes.
Themes of Ph.D. projects include:
• Protein engineering to improve the functionality of critical enzymes;
• Trouble-shooting heterologous metabolic pathways in E. coli;
• Development and application of biotechnology techniques for non-model microbes;
• Diagnosis and remediation of factors limiting industrial robustness.
Students will participate in an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp as well as in an international network of collaborative researchers, and will be expected to spend some time working in the United States during their Ph.D. studies.
Applications should be written in English and include: a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, graduation grades record and three recommendation letters. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates.
E-mail for application: a2g.unicamp@gmail.com
Period for application: until October 5th, 2020.
Doctoral scholarship (FEQ/UNICAMP) - June 2020
The Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuels Laboratory is recruiting three graduate students with interests in biomass processing, bioprocess engineering, and/or biotechnology to initiate Ph.D. studies in the second semester of 2020. Selected students will be enrolled in the Chemical Engineering Doctoral Program (FEQ/UNICAMP), supported by a FAPESP Doutorado Direto scholarship (http://www.fapesp.br/278).
Themes of PhD projects include:
• Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of bagasse at high solids using thermophilic bacteria.
• Bagasse-fermenting microbiomes and microbial ecology: Fundamentals and applications.
• Metabolic engineering of pentose-fermenting thermophilic bacteria for ethanol production via CBP.
We are looking for motivated students, recently graduated in chemical, food, biotechnology or bioprocesses engineering. Prior research experience in scientific projects is a plus.
Applications should be written in English and include a resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, and names and contact information for three references. Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates.
E-mail for application: a2g.unicamp@gmail.com
Period for application: until June 30th, 2020.
Post Doctoral Scholarship Opportunity - July 2023
The Advanced Second Generation (A2G) Biofuel Laboratory is recruiting a Postdoctoral Associate. Directed by Lee Lynd, a Distinguished Professor at Dartmouth College in the USA (https://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/faculty/lee-lynd/) and São Paulo Excellence Chair Professor at the University of Campinas (Unicamp), the goal of the A2G lab is to develop and enable deployment of disruptive second generation (2G) technology for sustainable production of bioethanol from sugar cane feedstocks at much lower cost than today’s technology. Beginning its 3rd year with newly-established facilities, the project integrates life sciences, engineering, and innovation involving thermophilic, lignocellulose-fermenting anaerobic bacteria able to convert cellulosic feedstocks to ethanol without added enzymes. Support is available for a 2 year scholarship with possible extension from the São Paulo Research Foundation linked to a Thematic Project (https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/auxilios/106030/laboratorio-de-biocombustiveis-avancados-de-segunda-geracao).
The selected candidate will work at the Unicamp Chemical Engineering Faculty (FEQ), cosupervised by Professor Philippe Soucaille, University of Toulouse, France, and Dr. Evert Holwerda, Dartmouth College, USA) and will be part of an interdisciplinary team at Unicamp as well as an international network of collaborative researchers. The specific focus of this project will be using a combation of fermentation science and genetic engineering strategies to develop continuous cultures that are stable to contamination.
Candidates should have demonstrated aptitude and enthusiasm for cultivating microorganisms. Experience with obligate anaerobes, continuous culture, and/or molecular biology would be regarded positively but is not required.
Applications should be sent to lwb@unicamp.br, written in English, and include: a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing experience and motivation, and contact information for three references.
Virtual interviews will be arranged with qualified candidates. Evaluation will begin on July 24 and continue until the position is filled.