Research Assistant (Food Science & Technology)

Job Description

We are seeking to recruit a proactive and motivated research assistant to join the Department of Food Science and Technology to produce high moisture extruded meat analogues using protein-rich microalgae cultivated on industrial food side-streams. The project is in collaboration with the Singapore-ETH centre and A*STAR SIFBI as part of the research project titled “Urban Single-Cell Protein Production Harnessing Emerging Microalgae-based Up- and Downstream Concepts”, which aims to bolster Singapore food/protein resilience by producing meat alternatives comprising of heterotrophic microalgae biomass. 

As a research assistant, you will be responsible for conducting and monitoring microalgal cultivation bioprocesses via analytical techniques to achieve maximal microalgal biomass protein yields and productivities. You will also be responsible for producing and analysing high moisture extruded meat analogues. The candidate will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and doctoral candidates. 

Responsibilities:
- Conduct research activities in accordance with the project aims involving but not limited to: 
    i. Conversion of industrial food side-streams into media suitable for microalgae cultivation.
    ii. Microalgae cultivations in flask and benchtop bioreactors under batch, fed batch, or continuous modes. 
    iii. Conduct chromatographic, spectroscopic, and proximate analyses (e.g., HPLC, ICP-OES, Kjeldahl) to monitor microalgae growth.  
    iv. Assist in scale up cultivations up to 200-L pilot scale setting.
    v. Operate the extruder, inclusive of setting up and post run clean up, as well as sample collection and analysis of extrudates.
- Assist in preparing formal reports, publications, and presentations.
- Remain updated on current scientific literature related to upstream microalgal biomass production on food side streams and high moisture extrusion.
- Collaborate with international researchers within the project and other stakeholders. 
- Perform general lab housekeeping and maintain safety documentation.  
- Other duties as assigned by the principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers, and doctoral candidates.

More information about the project can be found here: https://sec.ethz.ch/research/urban-microalgae-based-protein.html.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and other relevant documents to Dr. Alcine Chan at cmza@nus.edu.sg.

Contract: 1 year position under NUS, Department of Food Science & Technology. The position is available immediately. 

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in food science, bioprocess engineering, microbiology, or a related discipline.
- Knowledge in aseptic techniques, single-cell biomass cultivation, chromatographic analytical methods, and high moisture extrusion will be an advantage. 
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are required.
- Strong motivations in developing sustainable and novel foods.
- Proactive, with the ability to work independently.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Science

Department : Food Science & Technology

Job requisition ID : 22455