The next WISMET Seminarwill be on the 9th November at 17h (CEST).
Speaker:Dr. Mehri Shabani
Affiliation: ESAIP La Salle, CERADE, Saint-Barthélemy d’Anjou, France and Angers University, Faculty of Science, Group Analysis & Processes, Angers, France
Title: The potential of the Fungal microbial fuel cells to bioremediate pollutants
Registration link: https://forms.gle/uCsHehoxJBGsH1da9
Microbial electrogenesis – i.e. the generation of electricity from organic compounds in wastewater or marine sediments, and microbial electrosynthesis – i.e. the electrotrophic storage of electric current in organic molecules (e.g. from CO2), are two main applications of microbial electrochemical technologies. In both cases, the efficiency of the bioelectrochemical material and energy conversion depends strongly on the nature and the rate of electron transfer between microorganism and electrode. In this electron transfer, sulphur compounds can play an essential role, including intentionally as electron transfer mediators, but also (undesirably) in the formation of passivating surface layers. The main focus of this doctoral project is to improve the understanding of the role of sulphur compounds in extracellular electron transfer and thus to tailor bioelectrochemical processes.
What are your tasks?
The advertised position will be dedicated to a systematic experimental elucidation of the influence and reaction mechanisms of sulphur and sulphur compounds on the extracellular electron transfer in bioelectrochemical systems. The focus will be on the application of electrochemical methods in combination with microbial work.
Prof. Uwe Schröder, Institute of Biochemistry, Greifswald University, Germany
uwe.schroeder@uni-greifswald.de
09-10-2022
The Jack Lab (U-M faculty profile) in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department (CEE) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (UM-CEE, graduate program ranked #3 U.S. News and World Reports) invites applications for multiple funded Ph.D. student and post-doctoral research fellow positions to study fundamental kinetic and thermodynamic processes at the electrochemical-biological interface towards the development of scalable CO2 capture and conversion technologies.
This interdisciplinary work will span topics such as electrochemical water and CO2 electrolysis as well as several emerging microbial electrochemical technologies (e.g. microbial electrosynthesis, electro-enzymatic synthesis, electro-fermentation, microbial electrolytic carbon capture). Overall, this work will focus on tailoring CO2 conversion processes towards high reaction rates, selectivity, yields, and energy efficiencies.
In addition to pursuing independent research projects, researchers will also obtain valuable grant writing experience, exposure to professional networking events with national labs and private companies, and opportunities to communicate research findings via peer-reviewed journal publications, podcasts, and presentations at national and international conferences.
For postdocs: The anticipated start date for this position is Spring 2023 or later. Appointments are anticipated for two years, with renewal after the first year, contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Successful candidates will hold the rank of postdoctoral research fellow and be provided a competitive salary, benefits, and support for conference travel and/or career development.
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of the nation’s number one public research institution, Michigan Engineering’s mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.
The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/
Ideal candidates should possess a recently earned master’s or bachelor’s degree (for Ph.D. positions) or Ph.D. (for postdoc positions) in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, biological engineering, material science, natural sciences (i.e. chemistry, physics, biology) or related STEM field.
A strong academic background with relevant lab experience in electrochemistry, process design and modeling, biological wastewater treatment, material science, and/or membrane technologies is highly preferred.
Researchers with exceptional work ethic, hands-on experimental ability, willingness to learn across fields, excellent writing and communication skills, collaborative team-work attitude, and a passion for developing innovative and transformative technologies, that serve the common good, are particularly encouraged to apply.
Please submit a cover letter addressed to Prof. Joshua Jack describing research experience and future research interests (1-2 pages), a curriculum vitae (including any publications), and the names and contact information of up to three references.
For Ph.D. students: In addition to submitting materials to Prof. Jack as a single pdf. file, students are encouraged to apply to the CEE graduate program (Fall 2023) via the University of Michigan graduate school online portal.
For postdocs: All applications materials should be submitted as a single pdf file to the UM Careers site: https://careers.umich.edu/search-jobs. Search for job code: 223204. Only one pdf file can be uploaded in the UM Careers system.
Please visit the following website for more information about the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at U-M (https://cee.engin.umich.edu/).
The University of Michigan is one of the most distinguished universities in the world (#3 national public university, U.S. News and World Reports) and a leader in higher education. It’s three campuses are home to over 51,000 students and 5,600 faculty. The University of Michigan boasts one of the largest health care complexes in the world, one of the most extensive university library systems in the USA, and provides among the best computer access for students and faculty of any campus in the world. The University of Michigan is #1 in research volume among USA universities and had around $1.6 billion in research expenditures in 2021. The University of Michigan Tech Transfer office reported more than 500 new inventions in 2021 and 23 new businesses were started in 2021. Recently, 110 of U-M’s graduate programs were ranked in the top 10 (U.S. New and World Reports), making it an exceptional environment to pursue interdisciplinary (or multi-disciplinary) research.
Ann Arbor (nicknamed “Tree-town”) is routinely ranked one of the most desirable places to live in the USA and was ranked #1 best places to live for quality of life (U.S. News and World Reports, 2022-2023) due to it’s excellent health-care, education, affordability, and low-crime rate. Ann Arbor offers both big city attractions and beautiful natural areas with expansive scenic trails and waterways to explore.
Throughout the year, there are countless incredible art, music, and food festivals for locals to enjoy in one of the best college towns in America. In addition, it’s proximity to re-energized Detroit offers an awesome startup scene and international community. With tons of amazing shops, restaurants, bars, sports teams, and outdoorsy activities, Ann Arbor has something for everyone to enjoy.
The University of Michigan is a Non-Discriminatory/Affirmative Action Employer.
COVID-19 vaccinations are now required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all three campuses, including Michigan Medicine. This includes those working or learning remotely. More information on this policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the U-M Dearborn and U-M Flint websites.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor-USA
31/10/2022
The junior research group at UFZ funded by the BMBF, Germany is looking for a fully-funded 4-year PhD student working on the project of cross-membrane transportation of redox chemicals. The main task of this position is to use synthetic biology tools to identify and engineer the membrane transporter for redox chemical, in order to facilitate the electron flux from the cells to the external electron sink. The application deadline is Nov. 1st, and the starting date is 02.2023 (can be discussed on the individual case). Please contact me with your CV and motivation letter, if you are interested.
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH – UFZ
01-11-2022
https://recruitingapp-5128.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/2555/Description/2
The Resource Recovery Research Group at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) seeks candidates for a PhD in the field of Microbial Fuel Cells/Microbial Electrolysis Cells for wastewater treatment and resource recovery.
The PhD project will focus on the design of a concept that will allow for a combined biogas upgrading and nutrient recovery using sustainable and low-cost electrode materials such as biochar in bioelectrochemical systems. The project will investigate bioelectrochemical approaches aiming at 1) carbon dioxide utilization for biogas upgrading 2) nitrogen and phoshorus recovery in the form of a biobased fertilizer.
The university (NMBU) fully funds the PhD position. The PhD candidate will work as a part of Resource Recovery research group. The research activities in this PhD project will be carried out as a part of the research center Bio4Fuels, a national center of excellence focusing on research on biofuels and value- added products from biomass. The project will be co-supervised by an interdisciplinary team including Assoc. Prof. Pelin Kocatürk Schumacher, Prof. Sven Kerzenmacher, Prof. Svein Jarle Horn.
The project is expected to start in Autumn 2022.
The Faculty of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)
Campus Ås, Norway
For more info on the Resource Recovery Research Group:
https://www.nmbu.no/en/faculty/realtek/research/groups/resource-recovery
pelin.kocaturk.schumacher@nmbu.no
30-09-2022
The new BMBF-funded Nachwuchsgruppe at UFZ is looking for an experienced synthetic biologist for a 4-year (1+3) full time postdoc position. The main task of this position is to engineer the membrane electron transfer pathways of cyanobacteria in a biophotovoltaics system using synthetic biology tools, in order to facilitate the electron transfer rate from the oxygenic photosystem to the external electron sink. The successfully candidate will have the support to establish and lead the synthetic biology platform in the group, and will be strongly supported to develop his/her research profile for the next scientific career move, including but not limited to further training, international conference and networking. This project has an international mentor team including Prof. Victor de Lorenzo, Prof. Peter Lindblad and Prof. Falk Harnisch, and the successful candidate will work closely with the team to drive the project progress.
The position is expected to start from January, 2023, but can be negotiated upon individual cases.
Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research – UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
02-10-2022
https://recruitingapp-5128.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/2500/Description/2
Dear ISMET members,
I am writing to you in troubled times, but spring is coming. I hope that you and your families and loved ones as well as scientific families and partners are safe and healthy.
Although the last years and months may have brought us physically more apart, I am more confident than ever that the pursuit to happiness can only be based on global understanding and cooperation based on equality. Therefore, also ISMET has to become a true global society.
Here the both Ambassadors of ISMET communicated very clearly the priority of their communities that new Chapters are needed. Establishing these required changing the bylaws that are the legally binding document setting the foundation of ISMET.
On this pathway, the Board of Directors revised and updated our bylaws that you can see also here.
With accepting the bylaws the most important changes being:
Further, the Board of Directors has decided, given that the new bylaws are approved, that until 2028 the global ISMET meeting would be every three years from now on to allow sufficient time for the meetings of the regional chapters to take place.
This is why we need you taking action now! Approve the new bylaws here (logged-in, paying subscribers only).
In case of questions or doubts, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me or any other member of the ISMET Board of Directors.
Yours,
Falk (Harnisch)
– President of ISMET –
Join the 1st International ISMET Public Engagement Day.
How? Submit your entry on the 20th June 2022 to participate to the contest! The top three entries will receive a prize that will be given during the global ISMET 8 conference held in 19-23rd September 2022 in Chania, Greece.
Day: 10th December (8 am Pacific Standard Time, 5 pm Central Europe Time)
Speaker: Sara Tejedor Sanz
Affiliation: Senior Scientific Engineer Associate at the Advanced Biofuels Process Development Unit, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, USA
Title: Extracellular electron transfer in lactic acid bacteria: squeezing fermentation using electrodes as redox sink
Abstract: The strategy that microorganisms use to extract energy dictates their environmental niche and their interactions with other organisms. Recently, we identified a widespread electron transfer pathway in lactic acid bacteria that allows these microorganisms to reduce extracellular electron acceptors. These species play a major, beneficial role in food fermentation and maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome. The presence of this extracellular electron transfer pathway in lactic acid bacteria was extremely surprising because they are believed to have abandoned electron transfer chains and conserve energy almost exclusively via fermentation. Our research now shows that lactic acid bacteria induce extracellular electron transfer genes and use an anode as electron acceptor to conserve energy and accelerate fermentation under laboratory conditions. Thus, the use of extracellular electron transfer could give lactic acid bacteria a fitness advantage in outcompeting other microorganisms in an ecological context. Additionally, we have investigated whether this metabolism could provide a biotechnological application by changing the flavor and texture of fermented foods.
Registration link:https://forms.gle/fuJwBMmquDiUCt6m7
After delayed, yet inspiring and very well received online/in person regional conferences in 2021, the ISMET community is looking forward to the next international meeting – in person – in Chania, Grete 2022.