PhD Position - Fine Chemicals Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass 100%

School:

Life Sciences und Facility Management

Starting date:

June 1st 2025 or as agreed. The position is limited to 3 years.

Your role

We are a young team researching the sustainable production of chemicals and materials from biomass, in order to drive the chemical industry's transition to sustainable raw materials. Our work focuses on converting non-edible biomass (lignocellulose), such as agricultural and forestry residues, into value-added products. We work on projects at the interface between science and industry with practical application potential, developing complete processes from chemical/biotechnological conversion to product purification.
The PhD project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), explores innovative pathways for the sustainable production of fine chemicals. By combining chemical and biotechnological approaches, you will transform lignocellulose into high-value products - with hyaluronic acid as the key target. Hyaluronic acid is a biopolymer with increasing use in cosmetic and medical applications, and currently produced from edible biomass. The PhD project will be co-supervised by TU Vienna and technically supported by a partner from industry. Tasks:

• Research innovative thermochemical pretreatment methods for lignocellulosic biomass, targeted at enhancing enzymatic cellulose conversion to sugars
• Study the production of hyaluronic acid from cellulose-derived sugars, progressing from strain screening to scaled-up bioreactor fermentation, collaborating closely with a partner research group
• Purification and analysis of the hyaluronic acid product, including cosmetic application tests with an industry partner * Presentation of research findings in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and meetings
• Supervision of students at bachelor and master level, support of the group's teaching
• Support in the maintenance of the laboratory infrastructure

Your profile

• Very good academic degree (Master's) in chemistry, chemical/bioprocess engineering, biotechnology or related fields
• Hands on working experience in a chemical or biotechnological laboratory environment
• Competence in e.g. HPLC, GC-MS or NMR method development, troubleshooting and data analysis
• Curiosity and passion for research
• Ability to work independently and self-motivated
• Manage multiple tasks and deadlines, ability to work in a team
• Fluent in spoken and written English

• Work experience in a related area, such as biomass conversion or fermentation
• Prior scientific publication in a related area
• Fluent in German

This is what we stand for

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.

Life Sciences and Facility Management: Study and research in Wädenswil: practical, creative, passionate and reflective. Our expertise in life sciences and facility management in the areas of the environment, food and health enables us to make a vital contribution to solving social challenges and improving quality of life.

Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology : We research and teach, starting with molecules, through organisms, to sustainable production processes.

The Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology (ICBT) is one of the scientific institutes at the ZHAW. It conducts applied research on cutting-edge topics relating to health, chemistry, biotechnology and the environment - from antibiotic resistance and antiviral agents to microplastics and more sustainable chemical processes. The institute trains young people for the growing life sciences market in three bachelor's programmes and two master's courses.

Our understanding of chemistry and biotechnology is that it involves the linking of discoveries in the natural sciences with technological knowledge, with the aim of applying biological systems to the analysis and manufacture of products. The focus is on applications in the areas of pharma, food and ecology

What you can expect

We offer working conditions and terms of employment commensurate with higher education institutions and actively promote personal development for staff in leadership and non-leadership positions. A detailed description of advantages and benefits can be found at Working at the ZHAW . The main points are listed below:

Contact

Prof. Dr. Thomas Pielhop
Head of Research Group for Bio-based Resources and Biorefining Processes

Manuela Laure
Recruiting Manager