Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Microalgae (2 x Scholarships available)

Funded PhD Positions in Microalgae Treatment of Excess Nutrients and CO₂ Derived from Anaerobic Digestion (2 x Scholarships Available)

UCD School of Biosystems & Food Engineering, SFI BiOrbic Bioeconomy Research Centre, in collaboration with Green Generation Ltd

Project title: EirAlgae: Exploring the synergies between Anaerobic Digestion (AD) and microalgae for the development of energy independence, food-security and carbon neutrality in Ireland

Project description: We seek two motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidates to work on a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) project in microalgae treatment of AD by-products.

AD produces renewable gas from local agri-food waste and is critical to Ireland’s future energy security and decarbonisation. The process, however, generates by-products in the form of CO₂ and nutrient-rich slurries (or liquid digestate) that can further be valorised into value-adding products through circular approach. A group of microalgae known as Nannochloropsis are naturally enriched in valuable nutrients (such as Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (omega-3 PUFAs)) and proteins. These microalgae can therefore be exploited to directly capture CO₂ emissions from AD and recycle nutrients in digestate, while producing alternative omega-3 PUFAs and proteins for animal/aquaculture feed. Such approach will enhance the sustainability of both AD industry and feed production and contribute to circular bioeconomy.

EirAlgae aims to develop scalable biorefinery processes using Nannochloropsis sp. to valorise AD by-products into omega-3 PUFAs and protein for feed application. The project will address technical barriers associated with microalgae production on Ad by-products and complement technology development with life-cycle and techno-economic assessments. The specific objectives of the two PhD students at UCD Biosystems and Food Engineering are:

• To develop appropriate pre-treatment and cultivation strategies for optimum production of Nannochloropsis sp. on digestate and maximum nutrient recovery (PhD 1).
• To develop novel membrane systems for the efficient delivery of CO2 into microalgae culture (PhD 2).

The project will be undertaken in collaboration with Green Generation Ltd (https://greengeneration.ie/).

Requirements: The candidates should have a good primary degree (first or 2.1 Honours) and/or Master’s in Biotechnology, Chemical/Bioprocess/Civil Engineering, Food Technology, Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, and Analytical Chemistry or cognate disciplines. They should be prepared to work in a professional manner in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team and engage with collaborators. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to write reports, prepare journal articles, deliver presentations, work independently and as part of a team. Previous lab experience and publications in microalgae or AD are a significant advantage.

Awards: Both PhDs will be conducted under the primary supervision of Dr. Ronald Halim at UCD Biosystems and Food Engineering (https://people.ucd.ie/ronald.halim) and co-supervision of Dr. Stafford Vigors at UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and Dr. Stephen Nolan at Green Generation. The students will gain training/experience in microalgae cultivation and biomass analytical techniques (e.g., HPLCs, GCs, BMP). They will have access to core technologies in genomics, microscopy, and flow cytometry at UCD Conway Institute and analytical facilities at Green Generation. Each scholarship provides a yearly living stipend of €18,500 and contribution to university fees for three years, with a possible 4^th year extension. Both EU/UK and international candidates are welcomed. 

Stipend for each scholarship: €18,500 (tax-free) per annum plus tuition fee contributions of €6,000 p.a.

Project Duration: 3 years (with a possible 4^th year extension, subject to progress)

Deadline to submit applications: 10^th April 2023, 5 p.m. Irish Standard Time.

Expected project commencement date: May – September 2023  

Application procedure: To apply, please email full CV (3-page max), a cover letter (2-page max) and copies of degree transcripts by the deadline to [Email Address Removed]. Please provide any relevant details on research/work experience and study motivation in your CV and cover letter. Please label your email as ‘Application for PhD EirAlgae project – Your Name’. In your CV, please provide contact details of two referees (we will not contact them without your permission). 

Informal queries on the project can be made to Dr Ronald Halim ([Email Address Removed]).