The Center for Bioprocessing Research & Development (CBRD) was established in 2006 through the South Dakota Governor’s 2010Initiative for Economic Development and brings together thebioprocessing R&D resources of 2 universities in South Dakota (SD, USA)– SD School of Mines & Technology and SD State University. Theoverall goal of the Center is to develop new bioprocessing technologiesfor biomass conversion to biofuels and biochemicals for a sustainableenergy and economic development of SD, and to reduce the nationaldependence on foreign petroleum.
Currently, 32 researchers (faculty and research scientists), 4 post-docs, and over 80 graduate and undergraduate students from 9departments at the two universities participate in the Center’sactivities. The CBRD researchers representthe fields of agriculture and biosystems engineering, biology andmicrobiology, chemical and biochemical engineering, mechanical andelectrical engineering, economics, plant and food science. The Centerhas expertise that covers the entire bioprocessing chain – from biomassdevelopment, harvesting and logistics through pretreatment, hydrolysis,fermentation to downstream processing and end product recovery ofbiofuels or value-added bioproducts. The CBRDAdvisory Board meets annually to review progress and provide researchdirection and advice to the Center. The Advisory Board includesrepresentatives of bioenergy-related industries such as Poet, ICM Inc., Novozymes, K&L Energy Inc., and Zymetis, federal labs of US DOE and USDA, local economic and non-profit groups and organizations.
CBRD’s focus is the commercialization of high performance, low cost, and low carbon footprint biofuels that aredirect replacements for conventional gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Weare currently seeking a Ph. D. Student to join our team on developmentof Algal Biodiesel. Specific objectives of this project include:discovery, production and characterization of novel enzymes withlipolytic potential; algae production, extraction, and characterizationof algal oils; development of a cost effective process forbioconversion of algal oils to biodiesel.
Requirements:
• M.S. in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology or related field;
• Working knowledge and experience of HPLC,GC, fermentation, other relevant analytical techniques; prior knowledgeand experience with algae and/or biodiesel would be an advantage;
• Interpersonal and communications skills;
• Proficiency in writing and oral presentations;
• Ability to work in a project-oriented environment and interface effectively with a multi-disciplinary R&D team.
To apply, please send your CV, Cover letter and Publications (if any) to Dr. Lew Christopher (Lew.Christopher@sdsmt.edu) and Dr. Vasudeo Zambare (Vasudeo.Zambare@sdsmt.edu)
with “PhD Studentship in Algal Biodiesel” in the subject line.
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