Student Assistant (f/m/x) / Master or Bachelor Thesis on Optimizing caproate production in chain elongation process

The job

Microbial chain elongation is a promising biotechnology for producing medium-chain carboxylates such as caproate (C6) from waste streams. These compounds have high value as platform chemicals and bio-based precursors. To accelerate the application of such technology, the underlying microbiological mechanisms need to be better understood and optimized.
This project will be focusing on strategies to enhance C6 production in mixed microbial cultures. Specifically, it will investigate (a) the relationship between methanogenesis inhibitor and the isomerization of fatty acids, and (b) the application of electron mediators during chain elongation. Experiments will be conducted using active chain-elongating enrichment cultures expected to be available by February.

Place of work

Leipzig

Working time

40 hours per month

Contract limitations

limited contract / 3 months

Contact

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
hui.yao@ufz.de

Your application

Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.

Diversity and Inclusion

The UFZ has a strong commitment to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.
We look forward to applications from people who are open-minded and enjoy working in diverse teams.

The UFZ

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.

The job

Microbial chain elongation is a promising biotechnology for producing medium-chain carboxylates such as caproate (C6) from waste streams. These compounds have high value as platform chemicals and bio-based precursors. To accelerate the application of such technology, the underlying microbiological mechanisms need to be better understood and optimized.
This project will be focusing on strategies to enhance C6 production in mixed microbial cultures. Specifically, it will investigate (a) the relationship between methanogenesis inhibitor and the isomerization of fatty acids, and (b) the application of electron mediators during chain elongation. Experiments will be conducted using active chain-elongating enrichment cultures expected to be available by February.

Your tasks

You will work closely with a postdoc researcher but also develop your own approaches based on your findings.

• Cultivation, monitoring, and optimization of active chain-elongating microbial cultures
• Evaluation of reactor performance by testing the methanogenesis inhibitors or electron mediators addition in batch/semi-batch chain elongation reactors 
• Planning and conducting laboratory experiments related to metabolic performance, and potential shifts in microbial communities
• Quantitative data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of results.

We offer

• Excellent supervision that supports your personal and professional development
• Exciting insights into the work of a leading research institute
• The chance to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
• The opportunity to contribute and actively shape your own ideas and impulses
  right from the start
• Modern technical equipment and IT service to optimally support your work

Your profile

• Studies in Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Engineering, or related disciplines
• Hands-on laboratory experience in microbiology or bioprocess engineering
• Motivation to work self-responsible, solve problems creatively, and develop your own scientific questions
• Good English language skills (both written and spoken)
• Team spirit and willingness to work in a collaborative research environment

Apply now

Application deadline: 10.12.2025

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