The Bioprocess Engineering Working Group investigates the use of enzymes and microorganisms in the synthesis of valuable molecules, particularly those with pharmaceutical applications. Biotechnological processes can optimise existing chemical processes from environmental and economic perspectives, or enable the production of compounds that cannot be obtained using conventional methods.
Despite the potential of biocatalysis to promote a sustainable bioeconomy, optimising the design of liquid phases for enzymatic reactions remains challenging due to their complexity and the sensitivity of enzymes to environmental factors such as the type and concentration of solvents and reaction conditions.
The proposed project aims to systematically investigate and optimise reaction conditions to maximise the catalytic activity and stability of enzymes. By investigating the interactions of various co-solvents and additives with the enzyme, methods will be developed to prevent deactivation and precipitation of the enzyme, while simultaneously improving its solubility and stability. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the research will combine experimental and theoretical methods to establish a comprehensive understanding of the liquid-phase environments that best support enzymatic activity and stability. This will involve detailed thermodynamic analysis and developing new biocatalytic models for predicting and optimising reaction conditions. The project's ultimate goal is to establish a set of best practices for enzyme stabilisation that can be generalised to other enzymes and biocatalytic applications. This will advance the field of biotechnology and offer potential economic and environmental benefits.
Your Tasks
1. research tasks (90 %): research in the field of biocatalysis and reaction engineering (70 %) preparation of publications and research proposals (20 %)
2. teaching tasks (5 %) (4 contact hours per week)
3. administrative work (5 %)
Employment is conducive to scientific qualification and provides the opportunity for further academic development.
We offer
4. salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
5. fixed-term until April 13, 2028 (end of project) (§ 2 (1) 2 of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
6. fulltime
7. internal and external training opportunities
8. variety of health, consulting and prevention services
9. reconcilability of family and work
10. flexible working hours
11. good transport connection
12. supplementary company pension
13. collegial working environment
14. open and pleasant working atmosphere
15. exciting, varied tasks
16. modern work environment with digital processes
17. various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)
Your Profile We expect
18. completed scientific university degree in the field of Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline
19. completed PhD in Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a related field
20. experience working with enzymes, performing enzyme assays, and quantifying substrates/products of enzymatic reactions
21. excellent written and spoken English skills
22. independent, responsible, and dedicated working style
23. cooperative and team-oriented approach
24. strong communication skills
Preferred experience and skills
25. good written and spoken German skills
26. experience in scientific publishing and presenting research work at conferences
27. experience in research data management
Application Procedure
We are looking forward to receiving your application. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.
application deadline: Contact
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katrin Rosenthal
0521 106-5301
Postal Address
Universität Bielefeld
Technische Fakultät I AG Bioprozesstechnik
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katrin Rosenthal
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld