Contract Researcher in Bioprocess Engineering and Bio-based Colorants

Université de technologie de Compiègne (Compiègne, France) is recruiting a contractual researcher in the Department of Industrial Process Engineering (GPI) – Integrated Transformations of Renewable Matter laboratory (TIMR UTC – ESCOM) for the YaLiGreen project.

The YaLiGreen project (Multifunctional fabrics based on Yarrowia lipolytica yeast dyes) deals with the production of a green dye by the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica and its application in the textile field (project summary below).

This recruitment is funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR).

Summary

One of the promising alternatives that can partially or completely replace dyes of fossil origin is their microbial production. Despite the multiple advantages compared to plant and animal dyes (e.g., non-competition with food, engineering of targeted molecules, etc.), microbial dyes still face less stability and higher production costs compared to synthetic dyes, which limits their industrial exploitation. In this context, the YaLiGreen project aims to produce a green dye (prodeoxyviolacein) by a modified strain of Yarrowia lipolytica, extract the dye, and use it for fabrics dyeing. The strategies that will be followed in this project consist of 1) boosting the prodeoxyviolacein biosynthesis pathway in the yeast Y. lipolytica, 2) developing a culture medium based on industrial by-products for fermentation, 3) extraction of prodeoxyviolacein using a single-stage process, and 4) its functionalization to obtain color-stable fabrics.

Mission

The successful applicant will be responsible for optimising the fermentation conditions for the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, optimising the conditions for the accumulation of the dye, its extraction, as well as its purification and analysis. The successful applicant will be responsible in particular for the tasks of WP3 of the project.

Activities

• Optimize fermentation conditions using Y. lipolytica with industrial by-products and compare production yields to synthetic media;

• Optimize dye extraction conditions using green solvents;

• Purify the dyes and develop an analytical technique for quantification;

• Contribute to data compilation and analysis;

• Write progress reports and promote the work through communications;

• Participate in project partner meetings and draft minutes;

• Present the project results.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONS

Type of contract and expected date of recruitment

Fixed-term contract - expected to last 16 months - recruitment sought in autumn 2025 - end date of employment contract no later than 31/12/2027

Gross monthly salary

According to experience and funding

Hours worked

1,607 hours / year

Working environment and context

The activity is conducted within the Industrial Process Engineering Department at the TIMR UTC-ESCOM laboratory. TIMR aims to develop, validate, and implement knowledge and know-how dedicated to processes and reactions for transforming renewable matter. Research activities align with scientific and technological challenges and current societal issues related to optimizing resource use and renewing industrial processes in a sustainable development context (https://timr.utc.fr/). The laboratory is part of the Bioeconomy For Change (B4C) competitiveness cluster.

The YaLiGreen project is funded by ANR under the 2024 generic call for projects. The recruited person will primarily work in WP3 and report to the scientific manager of the YaLiGreen project, maintaining regular dialogue with him and close collaboration with all concerned stakeholders.

The project may involve travel.

Skills

Diploma, training and accreditation

Degree: doctorate

Field of study: process engineering, bioprocesses.

Knowledge     

• Microorganism handling methodology (fermentation, yeast metabolism) (required);

• Extraction processes for intracellular molecules from microbial biomass, cell lysis pretreatments (desired);

• Unit operations (pressing, membrane filtration) (desired);

• Chromatographic techniques (notably HPLC and TLC) (desired);

• Project management methodology;

• Written and oral communication techniques;

• Oral and written presentation skills;

• English language: B2 to C1 (European framework).

Operational skills

• Handle microorganisms and bioreactors (yeasts);

• Operate extraction processes for intracellular molecules, use cell lysis pretreatments;

• Manage a project;

• Write reports, publications, and summaries in English;

• Work as part of a team.

Behavioral skills

• Conceptual ability;

• Adaptability;

• Proactiveness and autonomy;

• Organizational skills;

• Initiative and innovation;

• Listening and interpersonal skills.