Researcher Fermentation Technology

MNEXT forms the bridge between innovation and society together with SMEs. More than 80 employees work at MNEXT (including teacher-researchers from various Avans and HZ courses). In addition, 7 research groups are part of MNEXT: Biobased Construction (both at HZ and Avans), Biobased Resources & Energy, Biobased Building Blocks & Products , Smart Energy, Renewable Energy Carriers, Biobased Transitions and Marine Biobased Chemistry.

Precision fermentation is one of the key technologies in the material transition. To reinforce the development of fermentation research, we are seeking a skilled Systems Modeler with extensive experience in fermentation processes to join our team on a contractual basis. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems modelling, bioprocess engineering, and data analysis, and will contribute to the optimization and development of our fermentation processes.

• Develop and implement systems models for fermentation processes.
• Analyze and interpret data from fermentation experiments to refine and validate models.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate modelling results into process development.
• Optimize fermentation parameters to improve yield, efficiency, and scalability.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and presentations on modelling outcomes and recommendations.
• Translate your theoretical and technical expertise into practical protocols for broader users, this includes junior technicians and commercial partners.
• Guide internship students with existing/new research projects.
• Participate in existing research projects, conduct research and/or project management tasks.
• Organize meetings with professors and associate professors, researchers, project leaders about possible new projects and lead in funding applications.
• Interact with Avans bachelor and master programs by providing work fields advices, guest lectures and student project ideas.

Your place as a researcher within Avans
The research group is situated within the Center of Expertise MNEXT, a joint undertaking of Avans University of Applied Science and HZ University of Applied Sciences. By conducting applied research with students, teachers, researchers and outside stakeholders, we set the materials and energy transition in motion towards a more sustainable future. The research group is new which means there is ample scope to show initiative and explore new ideas.

More information about MNEXT's activities can be found on the website .

An environment where you have the freedom to discover and improve things; This is how we get the best out of you. We facilitate you in your continuous development, with which you then contribute to our further professional and technical professionalization. We also offer you:

• A monthly salary of a minimum of € 4.361 to a maximum of € 6.144 gross for a full-time contract (scale 11 collective labor agreement for higher professional education).
• A year-end bonus, roughly equal to a 13th month.
• An contract for 1 year. If the position functions well and there is sufficient training space, an extension is a possibility.
• A good work-life balance and pleasant workplaces.
• A lot of freedom in your job with the option to work from home.

As an researcher, you participate in research projects and show others the value of your ideas. You have a great affinity with the interaction between research, education and the professional field and you are enthusiastic about student participation in research. You have experience in guiding internship students and interest in research-education integration. With your strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data sets you demonstrate excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail. Avans' vision on applied research appeals to you. You can put things into perspective, are stress-resistant and 'fit' in with the informal and professional atmosphere of Avans University of Applied Sciences. Affinity to or interests in data driven methods such as oxford nanopore sequencing and bioinformatics experience would be a plus. Furthermore you have:

• A master’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Systems Biology, or a related field.
• Proven experience in systems modelling specifically for fermentation processes.
• Proficiency in modelling software and tools (e.g., MATLAB, R, Aspen Plus, COMSOL).
• Proficiency in programming skills like Python and R.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English, preferably also Dutch.

Large, but small-scale. Concerned. Personal. That's Avans. Here you can be yourself. We will give you all the space you need with your unique ideas and insights. That suits our learning and enterprising character. We offer optimally flexible education and research in co-creation with the professional field. And we continuously change with the world around us. We want to offer more and more tailor-made solutions, where students partly determine their own learning path. That is our Ambition for 2025. Discover Avans as an employer through these stories.

Do you see a great role for yourself in further professionalizing our education and research and in contributing to the further development of Avans into a knowledge institution? Please apply no later than 20^th September 2024 via the application button. If you have any questions about the content of the position, please contact Miaomiao Zhou, Associate Professor Smart fermentation, via [email protected] / 088-5256361. Within 2 weeks after closing the vacancy we update you on your application.

We find our candidates ourselves, therefore we do not deal with acquisition.