Expert in Methanotrophic Bacteria wanted! We are hiring a Biotechnologist/Microbiologist for Gas Fermentation Research in Vienna

Our company (founded in 2020) develops gas fermentation for single-cell protein (SCP) and bioplastics (PHA, polyhydroxyalkanoates). CIRCE is currently involved in one EU project (INSPIRE) and one FFG project (ABATE).

As we are growing, we are looking for a researcher with practical experience in cultivating methanotrophs.

The job is in Vienna (Technologiezentrum Seestadt).

Key activities for the coming period:

1) Growth of methanotrophic bacteria in a 150L fermenter, continuous process, biomass production, characterization. Target >5g/(L*h) SCP. Determination of yield and conversion rate, optimization of process and medium.

2) Improvement of the downstream process (centrifuge, spray dryer) for the production of bacterial biomass (SCP)

3) Comparison of different strains for SCP (thermophiles, mesophiles)

4) Development of a stable mixed consortium

5) Protein enrichment for food

6) Strains for the bioplastics PHB, PHBV: Selection, development of a green extraction processes.

7) Setup of coupled gas fermentation in two 19L fermenters (one aerobic, one anaerobic), where the CO2 from the methanotrophic process is converted with H2 from acetogens (Thermoanaerobacter kivui) to acetate and lactate.

8) Writing R&D proposals

Enquire for more details!