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The research group on Microbial electrochemical technologies at the Bio and Circular Economy subunit at Tampere University, Finland, is led by Prof. Marika Kokko. The group focuses on resource recovery and production of biocommodities with microbial electrochemical technologies with the aim to accelerate transition towards bio and circular economy.

Job description

We are looking for a Doctoral Researcher to work on electrofermentation under the framework of the TRAMPOLINe- project: Position DC1.

TRAMPOLINe- is a joint academic-industrial interdisciplinary European initiative which has the primary goal of training a pool of young researchers in the field of microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) while developing innovative and ready-to-be-applied solutions for global environmental challenges that currently endanger the health and well-being of people worldwide and cause significant pressure to the economy:

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 101167647

Project: 101167647 — TRAMPOLINe — HORIZON-MSCA-2023-DN-01

TRAMPOLINe- integrates 10 different PhD positions within the framework of microbial electrochemical technologies (please refer to the TRAMPOLINe- linkedin page to learn about the rest of the positions).

IMPORTANT STATEMENT: Each candidate can apply for a maximum of 4 different DC positions that are suitable for their profile.

The objective of DC1 is to improve the performance of the mixed culture cathodic and anodic electrofermentation of xylose (C5 sugar), sucrose (C12 sugar) and glucose (C6 sugar) via optimizing fundamental parameters e.g., the inoculum selection, and working electrode potential. The aim is to gain a deeper understanding on the underlying mechanisms and to steer the process towards desired end-product spectrum. A general aim of DC1 is to understand the opportunities for electrofermentation-based industrial bioproduction.

During the doctoral research, a secondment to University of Rome (M20-M30) is planned under the supervision of Prof. Marianna Villano for the identification of the optimal reactor configuration and operating conditions for the electrofermentation of C6 and mixed sugars. Furthermore, collaboration is done with Solar Foods on the technoeconomic assessment of the optimized electrofermentation system.

Requirements 

A necessary requirement is a M.Sc. degree in a relevant field (e.g. environmental technology, biotechnology or chemical engineering) that should be valid upon the time of starting the work contract. 

Researchers must be doctoral candidates at the date of recruitment and must not already hold a doctoral degree at the deadline of the open calls. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet been formally awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible. Recruited researchers must be enrolled in the Doctoral Programme of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Tampere University leading to the award of a doctoral degree at the time of signing the contract.

An advanced level of English is required for this position. Certification is necessary and proficiency will be assessed during the personal interview.

Eligibility criteria

Mobility rule: candidates must not have resided or conducted their main activities (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding the application deadline.

Diversity aspects: Applications from candidates with disabilities, those requiring special assistance, researchers at risk, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and others are encouraged. In this respect equal opportunities in terms of diversity will be fully taken into consideration both during the recruitment process and throughout the training program. In the case of equal qualifications and expertise in the selection process, refugees or individuals whose scientific careers have been interrupted due to war will be given preferential consideration.

We offer 

We are offering the successful candidates fully funded three-year position as doctoral researchers. The intended starting date is in September/October 2025. We offer you high-quality supervision and the freedom to develop your ideas in a supportive and inspirational research environment. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees. 

The MSCA salary is composed of three parts: Living allowance 4063 €, Mobility allowance 600 € and Family allowance 660 € (if applicable as defined by the MSCA rules) The salary is paid in one instalment and is subject to national tax rules. At Tampere University, the employer will deduct app. 30% from the gross salary for different taxes, insurance fees and pension contributions.

Consequently, the gross monthly salary in the employment contract is at least 3250 € or 3720 € with family allowance. The MSCA researcher pays Finnish progressive income tax, employee pension contribution 7.15% (2024) and employee unemployment insurance contribution 0.79% (2024) from the taxable gross monthly salary.

We offer a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University.

We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active and truly international research community. Interdisciplinarity is highly encouraged, as it allows you to expand your research network and exposes you to new perspectives and ideas to solve complex research problems and pursue novel research findings. The university has a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. Through rigorous research within your field, you will have the opportunity to make an impact on science, the advancement of technology, and economic and societal change. Doctoral studies provide an excellent theoretical and technical foundation upon which you can build your future career at the highest national and international levels. 

Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of the three most rapidly growing urban areas in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. 

For more information on Tampere and Finland, please visit:

• https://visittampere.fi/en/ 

• https://www.visitfinland.com/ 

• https://www.infofinland.fi/en/frontpage 

How to apply 

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2025 (23:59 EET / UTC+3). Please submit your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format. 

Please attach only the following documents to your application:

• National ID/Passport (with expiration dates)
• Detailed CV
• Two reference letters
• A motivation letter from the candidate
• A document (signed by the candidate) certifying that he/she has understood the eligibility and mobility rules and that they will be accomplished in September 2025 if the DC is selected.

Selection process

The selection process will have two phases: a first curricular phase and a second interview phase for the top ranked candidates from the first phase.

Criteria for the first phase

• Academic record – 80 (Degree in Environmental Engineering, Bioengineering or related field – 35, Master thesis in Environmental Engineering, Bioengineering or related field – 25, Previous experience related to research – 20)
• Languages – 20 (English C1 – 20, English B2 – 15, English B1 – 10)

Criteria for the second phase: Interview (100)

For more information, please contact: Marika Kokko, marika.kokko(at)tuni.fi

If you have any queries regarding the submission of your application, please contact: Tuula Jaakola, HR Specialist, tuula.jaakola(at)tuni.fi 

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Tekniikan ja luonnontieteiden tiedekunnassa, bio- ja kiertotalouden alayksikössä on avoinna väitöskirjatutkijan tehtävä. Tehtävä sijoittuu sähköfermentaation alalle. 

Hakuohjeet 

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet yllä olevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta. 

Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta). 

Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 31.01.2025 klo 23.59.