1. Descrição do cargo/posição/bolsa
1. Job description
Job/Fellowship Reference: C2008-UMTP - Pos-Doc2 - Materials Science and Engineering
Main research field: Engineering
Sub research field: Biotechnology
Job summary: The main objective of this research project is to create a synergistic approach for utilisation of enzymes for upgrading different biomaterials, namely natural fibrous materials. This will be accomplished by assessing the potential of enzymes for surface functionalization and/or surface modification, together with advanced and sustainable clean processing technologies in order to generate new added-value polymer products with a broad application range and more performing processes and products.
Job description: The Textile and Paper Materials Research Unit (UMTP) of University of Beira Interior is a research centre in textile and paper materials science and technology and respective manufacturing processes, taking advantage of the contribution of other sciences, namely biochemistry and biotechnology, for this specific research work. The treatment of cellulosic fibers with different carbohydrate degrading enzymes, results in the reduction of energy consumption during the refining process in paper industry, as well as in the functionalization and achievement of bio-based textile materials with add-value properties. Biomaterial-derived biopolymers display many interesting characteristics such as for example, antimicrobial properties (chitosan, lignin), which can be exploited as coatings or films for composites with other natural materials or with synthetic polymers (bioartificial materials), for specialty applications (biomedical, cosmetics, etc).
The focus of another part of the work is on kinetics of laccase with or without mediators in depolymerization of lignin and polymerization of phenolic compounds. Particular attention will be put on the initial kinetic rates of the reaction system and on the enzyme inhibition in order to contribute to the clarification of the mechanisms involved in pulp bleaching. The polymerization of phenolic compounds will be also investigated.
The candidates must have a PhD degree and relevant research experience in biotechnology, biomaterials and kinetics allowing them to develop modifications/functionalizations on fibrous materials, composites and coatings, as well as to study the effect of enzyme-assisted refining for pine and eucalypt bleached pulps.
Qualifications and Experience The post holder of this position is expected to implement his own research within the field. Applicants should have a doctoral degree at least for three years and a good publication record in a relevant area. Applicants are expected to organize, propose and administrate joint research projects. It is also desirable that the candidates demonstrate facility to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
Conditions of Employment Basic gross salary equivalent to the index 195 of Portuguese scientific research career (ca 3000 €) + meal subsidy (ca 4 €/day).
Employment basis: Temporary
Duration of the contract: 5 years maximum
Maximum hours per week: 35
Application The candidates must provide a complete CV (with photo), in English, a statement of purpose outlining their research goals, two reference letters, as well as any other materials that they like to be considered by the Selection Committee. All the elements should be sent to the Textile and Paper Materials Research Unit of University of Beira Interior to the following e-mail addresses: Prof. Doutor Manuel Santos Silva,
mjssilva@ubi.pt and Engª. Conceição Camisão,
camisao@ubi.p