We are seeking candidates for the position of Research Scientist for the Fermentation Biocatalysis and Downstream Processing team, Department of Biotransformation at the Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI). Our R&D focus is fermentation and enzymatic transformation for the production of future food ingredients such as microbial protein/fat and bioactives (e.g. antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, dietary fiber, etc) as well as personal care products.Development of bioprocess is, therefore, a core activity involving fermentation, enzymes production, biocatalysis and downstream processing.JOB DESCRIPTION
Research Execution:
- Conduct advanced experiments related to fermentation and biocatalysis, focusing on process optimization, yield improvement, or enzyme development.
- Design and execute fermentation experiments, including scaling up processes, troubleshooting, and optimizing conditions.
- Perform biocatalysis including resting cell bioconversion and develop novel process to enhance efficiency, product yield and productivity.
Data Analysis and Interpretation:
- Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and make decisions on next steps.
- Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures, observations, and outcomes.
Project Management and Milestone Delivery:
- Oversee and manage assigned research projects, ensuring timely achievement of key milestones.
- Work closely with team members to meet project objectives and deadlines.
Collaboration and Supervision:
- Guide junior lab members, including students and technicians, in experimental techniques and data analysis.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as analytical chemistry, strain/enzyme engineering and pilot scale operation to enhance research outcomes.
Publication and IP Generation:
- Prepare high-quality research manuscripts, reviews, and reports for publication in scientific journals.
- Contribute to intellectual property generation by identifying patentable findings and assisting in patent drafting.
Grant and Proposal Writing:
- Assist in writing and submitting grant proposals, serving as a co-investigator or key contributor where needed.
- Support the preparation of progress reports and final reports for funding agencies.
Knowledge Advancement and Innovation:
- Keep updated on current literature, attend relevant conferences, and identify new research directions within fermentation and biocatalysis.
- Innovate by developing new methods or refining existing techniques to improve the labs research capabilities.
Safety and Lab Maintenance:
- Follow all safety protocols, ensure proper handling and disposal of chemicals and biological materials.
- Participate in maintaining lab equipment and stock, ensuring a well-organized and safe lab environment.
JOB REQUIREMENT
Education:
- Ph. D. in Chemical engineering, Biochemistry, Biological science, Bioengineering or a related field
- Strong foundation in microbial physiology, biochemistry, and bioprocess engineering
Experience:
- Hands-on experience in fermentation in bench-scale bioreactor and biocatalysis research. Exposure to industrial fermentation or translational research projects is an advantage.
- Practical experience in fermentation, including optimization of pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, feeding, and induction conditions, is desirable.
- Experience in developing and optimizing resting cell bioconversion processes, including biomass preparation, reaction parameter optimization, and product formation analysis
- Prior experience with a proven record of project management and milestone achievement.
- Familiar with grant writing and funding application.
- Knowledge of safety regulations and experience in lab safety management
Technical Skills:
- Ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot fermentation and whole-cell biocatalysis experiments.
- Strong quantitative data analysis and interpretation skills.
- Experience in bioprocess scale-up and process optimization is desirable.
- Knowledge of downstream processing concepts is advantageous.
- Experience in bioprocess modeling and simulation, including kinetic modeling, mass balance analysis, or use of tools such as MATLAB, Python, Aspen, or similar platforms.
- Understanding of fermentation kinetics, metabolic flux analysis, process control strategies and experience in bioprocess modelling and simulation with tools such as MATLAB or similar latforms is an adavntage
Personal Attributes:
- Strong problem-solving ability and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.
- Committed to laboratory work and willing to work flexible hours as required
- Highly motivated with a strong passion for scientific research and technical writing
- Good scientific writing and presentation skills.
- Highly motivated to publish high-quality research and contribute to intellectual property generation.
