Junior Researcher
Location: De Kwakel, the Netherlands
About Lgem
Lgem is a biotech scale-up in the field of microalgae production, created after a merger in 2020 between the companies Lgem and Synalgae. Lgem has been around for more than 16 years. The young and dynamic team develops innovative and patented photobioreactors (PBRs) for both small- and industrial scale algae production of various strains of algae including the most fragile ones.
In our own AlgaeHUB in De Kwakel, Lgem gives access to test facilities for companies, researchers, and universities. In the facility, customers can collect cultivation data, perform business-case validations, perform product market development, and conduct tests with new algae species. They also learn how to optimize the growth of algae. The team of engineers and scientists takes care of the development, delivery, and implementation of total algae growth systems.
We are looking for a Junior Researcher:
- To support R&D Operations within a project team, by conducting high quality experiments in the development, evaluation and characterisation of processes for the production of biomass of microalgae and specific compounds of this biomass, from lab to industrial scale;
- Assist in daily lab management: consumables and supplies.
About the job:
- Carry out experiments on processes to produce algae biomass and downstream processing of algal biomass, including packing, storage, and quality control;
- Understand experimental set-ups and experimental goals of experiments as proposed by senior scientist;
- To accurately carry out experiment by following standard operation procedures;
- Collect relevant information from literature and suppliers on methods and equipment relevant to improve on operation procedures to carry out the experiments;
- Record experimental data and provide documentation compliant with quality procedures;
- Maintain microalgae cultures under axenic conditions;
- Contribute to research team discussion on progress and planning;
- Manage status of lab supplies;
- Coordinate ordering of supplies and services and maintenance of equipment;
- Reports to the Lead AlgaeHUB.
About you:
- Experience in laboratory work;
- Carrying out laboratory tasks in a precise way;
- Sterile working methods;
- Understand technological bioprocesses;
- Structured and tidy working;
- Good communication skills;
- Curious about microalgae (and our mission);
- Flexible – able to adapt to new situations in a rapidly changing environment.
Qualification requirements:
- MBO/BSc and 1-3 years of relevant experience in Biotechnology, Process engineering, Food technology, or related field;
- (Micro)biological knowledge/understanding and working methods;
- Fluent in spoken and written English.
Our offer:
- Gross salary between € 2,750 and € 4,098, according to demonstrated experience;
- Full time working week of 40 hours;
- Employment contract for the period of 1 year, with 1 month probationary period. In case of proven suitability extension is possible.
How to respond:
We would like to receive your cover letter with curriculum vitae by December 31, 2024 by e-mail to application@lgem.com
For questions about the position, please contact Marta Batista de Sá, Lead AlgaeHUB (marta.batistasa@lgem.com).
