"Postdoc in Process Intensification for Cellular Agriculture"

Job Summary

We are seeking a mission-driven individual to join our team as a Postdoc in Process Intensification for Cellular Agriculture, focusing on Bioprocess design of a Scale-out Production Methodology. This role contributes to sustainable food production in cellular agriculture, addressing challenges in food security and environmental impact by developing scalable processes for cultivated meat production.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize bioprocesses for cultivated meat production, including media formulation, cell growth, differentiation, and harvesting techniques.
• Conduct and optimize the production of porcine and bovine cells in wave bioreactors, developing a scale-out approach for farm-level production.
• Lead the technology transfer from laboratory-scale to the world’s first cellular agriculture farm, including developing standardized protocols, assisting in facility design, and training operators.
• Support the training and development of research scientists and technical staff.
• Supervise BSc and MSc thesis projects related to cellular agriculture and bioprocess engineering.
• Contribute to scientific excellence by participating in the preparation and writing of grant proposals and research publications.

Qualifications and Requirements

• PhD in Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related fields, with demonstrated experience in animal cell culture.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture.
• Knowledge of basic cell-laboratory techniques, including 2D cultures, metabolite analysis, microscopy, and cell banking.
• Experience with mammalian cell cultures in suspension using aggregates or microcarriers is highly advantageous.
• Hands-on experience with bioreactors and process design skills is highly desirable.
• Experience with Process Analytical Technology (PAT) for process automation, monitoring, and control in biomanufacturing is highly desirable.
• Previous experience with protocol writing or technology transfer is a significant plus.
• Experience in grant proposal writing.
• Curious, passionate about cellular agriculture, with great problem-solving and analytical skills, and highly motivated to contribute to a safe and secure food system.
• Language level C1 in English for international communication.

What the Employer Offers

• A competitive gross salary between €3,546 and €5,538 per month for a full-time working week of 38 hours, based on the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (scale 10).
• A temporary contract for two years.
• Excellent terms including sabbatical leave, study leave, partially paid parental leave, flexible working hours for work-life balance, focus on vitality with sports facilities, a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%, and an excellent pension scheme.
• Opportunities for growth, development, and internal recruitment.
• Work on a green and innovative campus in an international and open environment.