PostDoc and PhD positions in the joint program of THE ... · White biotechnology & green chemistry 4 Nanotechnology and new materials ... 1.c Food technology Work description The

Updated 12.6.2014

PostDoc and PhD positions in the joint program of THE NATIONAL COUNCILFOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT (CNPq) andTECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND (VTT)

CNPq and VTT have agreed to execute a programme of activities aiming to promote thescientific and technological activity in the following research areas:

1 Engineering and other technological areasa. Fibre technologiesb. Manufacturing technologies to bioeconomyc. Food technologyd. Product, service and process simulatione. Optical and electrical engineeringf. Roll-to-roll manufacturingg. Flexible electronics

2 Renewable energya. Biotechnical production of biofuelsb. Organic photovoltaicsc. Thermochemical conversion of biomass to biofuels

3 Biotechnologya. Enzymes for waste water treatmentb. Industrial biotechnology

i. Enzyme discovery and engineeringii. Cell factoryiii. Synthetic biologyiv. Biorefinery conceptsv. White biotechnology & green chemistry

4 Nanotechnology and new materials

5 Material from biomass, especially eucalyptus, bagasse and soybean

The Programme consists of international exchange periods for PhD students andpostdoctoral researchers from Brazil to VTT, coordinated and organized by CNPq and VTT.

PhD students and Post Doc Researchers participate in high level research work at VTT onselected strategically relevant topics within a collaborative project environment underprofessional scientific supervision by highly experienced and competent senior researcherswith PhD degrees.

For conditions of employment (incl. relocation service issues), please contact:[email protected].

Updated 12.6.2014

Proposal 1.1st and 2nd generation ethanol vinasse as a source of fertilizers, energy and value addedproducts

PhD student for 12 months

Research area: 1 b, 2c, 3b iv and 5

Work descriptionThe aim of this work is to create concept options and generate experimental data by meansof laboratory scale equipment for processing of sugarcane ethanol production residues,mainly CO2 and vinasse, to fertilizers, energy and value added products. The work issupported by appropriate modeling and analytical tools. Brazil is the leading country insugarcane ethanol production and thereby the volumes of biocarbon-containing residues arethe largest too. Brazil is the world's No. 4 fertilizer consumer and imports up to 70% of itsuse. This creates a serious trade deficit which is currently being tried to be fixed. In movingtowards more sustainable world it is essential to develop processes that can not only takeadvantage of the fresh biomass, but also recover and recycle the valuable biocarbon andnutrients from the processing residues. In this work CO2 reduction with solar and windenergy or hydrothermal processing, particularly supercritical steam hydrolysis, is researchedto facilitate a design for processes that recover the nutrients from the biomass, create ausable biomass fraction for example for further fermentation or direct fuel use; and resolvewater and soil contamination issues. The detailed focus of the work can be fine-tuned basedon the applicant’s personal skills.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:chemistry (organic/inorganic), thermodynamics and readiness for process modeling. Basicsin analytical chemistry.

Further expectations:• a solid academic background with an PhD/MSc in relevant fields• scientific ambition, motivation and strong interest in cutting-edge research• team working skills in an international working environment• inventiveness and initiative personality• good analytical and problem solving skills• excellent English language skills

We offer• an opportunity to contribute to the strategic capabilities of a world-class researchorganization• outstanding supervision by top research scientists of your field• an innovative work community for aspiring researchers• assistance with housing and other relocation issues

Location: Espoo, Finland

For further information, please contact:

Updated 12.6.2014

D.Sc. Pasi Vainikka, Principal Scientist, [email protected], tel. +358 40 5825 987

Proposal 2.Enzyme-aided extrusion of cereal bran for multifunctional fibre- and protein-rich foodingredients

PostDoc for 24 months

Research area: 1.c Food technology

Work descriptionThe project deals with hybrid processing to tailor interactions and hydration kinetics of planttissue components at different structural levels. Cereal brans are abundant underutilizednutrient-rich grain processing side streams. Their use as new protein and dietary fibre richingredients for healthy food products necessitates control of the interactions betweenprotein bodies and recalcitrant aleurone and pericarp cell walls. The aim is to restructurizebran to form gels and foams by the use of cell-wall degrading enzymes as single and inmixtures in combination with extrusion. Both the technological (eg. rheological properties,water absorption/release, effects on starch gelatinization, etc) and physiologicalfunctionality (in vitro starch and protein digestibility) of the bioprocessed brans will bestudied in relation to analyses of the structure of the products from molecular tomicroscopic level.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:

Plant physiology and biochemistryExtrusion processingEnzyme technologyFood physicsRheologyFurther expectations:• a solid academic background with an PhD in relevant fields• scientific ambition, motivation and strong interest in cutting-edge research• team working skills in an international working environment• inventiveness and initiative personality• good analytical and problem solving skills• excellent English language skills

We offer• an opportunity to contribute to the strategic capabilities of a world-class researchorganization• outstanding supervision by top research scientists• an innovative work community for aspiring researchers and an excellent internationalcollaboration network in the area of the project• assistance with housing and other relocation issues


For further information, please contact:Senior Scientist, Dr Nesli Sözer Aykal, [email protected] or

Updated 12.6.2014

Academy Professor, Prof. Kaisa Poutanen, [email protected]

Proposal 3.Electrospinning and heat treatment of submicron fibres


Research area: Nanotechnology and new materials

Work descriptionVTT is applying electrospinning for producing polymer fibre precursors for submicron carbonfibres as well as for producing templates for submicron and nanotube production usingTUFT-process. Sub-micron and nanosized carbon fibres can be produced e.g. fromelectrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) by high temperature carbonization. Sub-micron tubematerials can be produced by using sacrificial electrospun template fibres, which are coatede.g. with atomic layer deposition (ALD) and then destroy e.g. by thermal processing.

This work include electrospinning of precursor fibres and template fibres as well asparticipation to their after treatments and characterization. This work is carried out in co-operation with two on-going jointly funded research projects: Eu_Catapult (novel CATAlyststructures employing Pt at Ultra Low and zero loadings for auTomotive MEAs), andBioPreCarb (BioBased Tailored Precursors for Advanced Carbons and Applications). Precisework contents will be planned based on background knowledge of selected person as well asneeds of projects mentioned above.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:

ElectrospinningCarbon materialsCarbonizationNanomaterialsCatalyst materials and supports

Further expectations:• a solid academic background with an MSc in relevant fields• scientific ambition, motivation and strong interest in cutting-edge research• team working skills in an international working environment• inventiveness and initiative personality• good analytical and problem solving skills• excellent English language skills


Location: Tampere, Finland

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For further information, please contact:Senior Scientist, Dr. Tech. Pirjo Heikkilä, [email protected], tel. +358 40 689 1443Proposal 4.Bioeconomy downstream processing

PostDoc researcher for 24 months

Research area: Manufacturing technologies for bioeconomy

Work descriptionEfficient separation processes are essential for a successful bioeconomy consept. Thepurpose of this project is to develop separation technologies, in particular counter currentcontinuous liquid-liquid extraction methodology, to recover valuable organics from diluteaqueous solutions typically obtained from e.g. fermentation process. The work may includeboth experimental and computational part. The selected Postdoc will measure thedistribution coefficients of the extracted component between the solvent and aqueousphases, and test the system in a continuously operated 60 mm diameter mechanicallyagitated counter current extraction column. The thermodynamic phase equilibria will befitted with Aspen+ and custom made column model will be applied to study the systembehaviour in the counter current extraction column. Further, the target is to write scientificpapers together with the colleagues.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:Chemistry, Chemical Engineering




For further information, please contact:Dr. Tech Chem Eng. Antero Laitinen, [email protected]

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Proposal 5.High-consistency foams


Research area: Fibre technologies

Work descriptionStructure forming technologies using foam as a material carrier phase are investigatedintensively at VTT at the moment. The current focus is on structure and rheology of fibrefoams, where typical consistency (i.e. fibre concentration) of the liquid suspension beforefoam making is 0.5–5%. On the other hand, there are important applications in the foodand protein production areas where consistency can be as high as 30-50%. We can expecttremendous changes in both rheological properties of the foam, its structure and dryingproperties when increasing the consistency. The PostDoc is expected to study fundamentalproperties and new applications of fibre and particle foams at high consistency, high shearrates and high temperature. The work involves experimental laboratory and pilot-scalework, foam and material characterization, and theoretical analysis of the experimentalresults. The PostDoc will work in close collaboration with other researchers studying fibrefoams and various forming technologies at VTT.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:physics, materials and polymer science, engineering

Further expectations:• a solid academic background with an PhD in relevant fields• scientific ambition, motivation and strong interest in cutting-edge research• team working skills in an international working environment• inventiveness and initiative personality• good analytical and problem solving skills• excellent English language skills



For further information, please contact:Principal Scientist Jukka Ketoja, [email protected], tel. +358 40 5476146

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Proposal 6.Bagasse as a raw material in LignoFibre (LGF) organosolv process


Research area: Biotechnology iv. Biorefinery concepts/Material from biomass (bagasse)

Work descriptionLignofibre (LGF) process is a biomass fractionation method patented by VTT, based onacetic acid or ethanol together with added phosphinic acid. LGF process is also a promisingpre-treatment method prior fermentation in the production of various biochemicals such asethanol. So far, it has been applied in research projects for various raw materials, includingbirch, eucalyptus and elephant grass. The biomass fractions obtained by the process, i.e.cellulose fibres and sulphur-free LGF lignin, have been tested in many applications, such ascellulose derivatives and in composites. In this project, LGF process will be developed forbagasse. The obtained cellulose fractions will be characterized and hydrolysed. Dispersionsof LGF lignin and other sulphur-free lignins will be developed to be used in novelapplications, e.g in adhesives.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:pulping technology, wood chemistry




For further information, please contact:Senior Scientist, D.Sc. (Tech.) Heli Kangas, [email protected], tel. +358 400 357 233

Updated 12.6.2014

Proposal 7.Microbial production of lipid derived transportation fuels


Research area: Renewable energy/Biotechnical production of biofuels

Work descriptionMicrobial lipids and their derivatives (fatty alcohols and alkanes) have potential as rawmaterials for transportation fuels. Bio-diesel and bio-alkanes in particular can provide directsubstitutes ('drop-in' fuels) for currently used petroleum fuels. VTT has been studyingproduction of microbial lipids, modifications of the lipid biosynthetic pathway and furtherconversions of fatty acids to fatty alcohols and alkanes. In this project, a number ofsuccessful strategies will be combined in one or two promising yeast and/or fungal speciesin order to obtain synergistic benefits from the various approaches. These will includeenhancing fatty acid production, reducing fatty acid degradation with or without addition offurther steps for production of fatty acids and alkanes in an oleaginous host by geneticengineering. Bioreactor cultivations will be used to ensure adequate aeration in assessingproduction and developing new strategies for strain engineering. These strains will also beused to assess options of converting plant-biomass-derived sugars into diesel, alcohol andalkane fuels.

The main objectives of the project will be:To enhance triacylglycerol production of the current yeast and/or fungi by geneticengineeringTo construct alkane and fatty alcohol pathways in oleaginous (lipid producing) yeastor fungi.To analyse lipid, fatty alcohol and alkane synthesis by engineered strains usingcontrolled bioreactor cultivations

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:Biochemistry, molecular biology, microbial physiology, fermentation technology




Updated 12.6.2014

For further information, please contact:Principal Scientist, PhD. Kari Koivuranta, [email protected], Tel: +358 20 722 5828Proposal 8.Enzymatic fibre oxidation: Characterisation of polymeric carbohydrate oxidizing enzymesand their applications

PostDoc for 12–24 months

Research area: Industrial biotechnology

Work descriptionSpecific and discrete modifications of plant-derived polysaccharides can generate novelpolymers and properties which can open up new applications. Carbohydrates are rich inhydroxyl groups, which can be used for several chemical reactions, such as etherification,esterification and amidation. However, due to the many hydroxyl groups with similarreactivity, such classical modifications are not easily tunable. Enzymes can offer analternative and specific mean for chemical modifications.

The overall aim of the PostDoc project is to develop enzymatic modification methods forpolymeric carbohydrates and fibres. The scope is to discover new enzymes, and tocharacterize and test the existing and novel oxidative enzymes suitable for fibremodification applications. In the enzyme discovery, genomic databases and other screeningapproaches will be used. The research relates to on-going projects at VTT and has also linksto the VTT Bioeconomy Transformation programme.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one, and preferably several of thefollowing fields: Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Bioinformatics, Enzymology, Biotechnology

Further expectations:• a solid academic background with a PhD in relevant fields• scientific ambition, motivation and strong interest in cutting-edge research• team working skills in an international working environment• inventiveness and initiative personality• good analytical and problem solving skills• excellent English language skills



For further information, please contact:Principal Scientist, Dr. Anu Koivula, [email protected], tel. +358 40 722 7158

Updated 12.6.2014

Proposal 9.Development of cell-free protein synthesis methods for synthetic biology approaches

PostDoc for minimum of 12–24 months


Work descriptionCell-free technologies offer a powerful platform for accelerating the optimisation of syntheticpathways for proteins, peptides and small biomolecules, and ultimately expanding thechemistry of life. This should promote the production of synthetic proteins with novelproperties as well as the production of sustainable fuels, chemicals and new classes ofdesigner (nano)materials with tunable properties.

The scope in this project is on developing a novel synthetic biology platform that willenable: a) generation and testing of synthetically modified proteins, and b) constructing amulti-enzyme pathway for production of valuable monomers for biotechnical applications.

The project relates to on-going activities within the Synthetic biology Theme in theBioeconomy programme, as well as for CoE in Green chemistry-White biotechnology. Thereis also a new project application in the SA Synthetic biology about to start on this subject.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Enzymology and Biotechnology

Further expectations:• a solid academic background with a PhD in relevant fields• scientific ambition, motivation and strong interest in cutting-edge research• team working skills in an international working environment• inventiveness and initiative personality• good analytical and problem solving skills• excellent English language skills



For further information, please contact:Senior Scientist, Dr. Harry Boer, [email protected], tel. +358 40 5760 376

Updated 12.6.2014

Proposal 10.Construction of yeast chassis for synthetic biology by redirecting the main carbon pathways


Research area: Synthetic biologyWork descriptionAn aim of synthetic biology is to engineer microorganisms that act as a cell factory,producing chemicals that are new to nature. Many such cell factories already exist and foreach new chemical compound a new cell factory has to be engineered. To facilitate theengineering we aim at the construction of production chassis that act as the basis for furtherengineering. Such a chassis can be a yeast strain where the central carbon pathways havebeen redirected through genetic engineering. The yeast S. cerevisiae for example is wellsuited to convert hexose sugars to ethanol; other yeast species convert sugars to biomass.However when yeast is to be used as a cell factory to produce compounds that are usefuland not naturally produced, the main carbon pathways have to be changed.

The aim in this project is to generate strains with disruptions in the central carbonpathways. The generated strains can then be used as a starting point for furtherengineering. Redirecting the central carbon fluxes is in normally detrimental for the strainbecause it affects the energy and redox state and growth related regulation. These effectshave to be analyzed and addressed through further engineering. Genetic tools to affect theredox and energy states and experience supervisors are available.

The project involves the genetic engineering of different yeast species, enzyme activitymeasurements, fermentations and analytic methods such as HPLC.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biology




For further information, please contact:Principal Scientist, PhD Peter Richard, [email protected] or

Updated 12.6.2014

Principal Scientist Mervi Toivari, [email protected]

Proposal 11.Novel sensors and reporter amplifiers


Research area: Biotechnology – Synthetic biologyWork descriptionThe project is focused on development of specific reporter tools for monitoring andadjustment of physiological status of yeast cells. By the means of orthogonal feed forwardloop expression amplifiers, strongly enhanced production of fluorescent proteins (GFP,mCherry etc.) will be employed to capture changes in activation of gene expression at theonset of stress responses or metabolic transitions associated with growth or production ofselected compounds. The naturally weakly responding promoters of the genes associatedwith such physiological changes will be used for expression of orthogonal transcriptionactivator which will in turn facilitate production of the reporter protein(s).

In addition, the synthetic sensors will be used and developed in the project. Such sensorstypically function as multi-functional entities which respond on changed intracellularconcentration of specific compound (H+, ATP, NAD etc.) by changing localization,dissociation or association with another protein, and eventually controlling the expression ofthe reporter gene via transcription activation or repression. In this project, selected sensorswill be used either for direct induction of the fluorescent reporters or for induction ofsynthetic transcription factors in the expression amplifier system.

The project will utilize the single cell analysis. Cell cultures are very heterogeneous, andtraditional methods targeted at investigating entire populations provide only an averagemeasurement of studied cell physiological phenomena. Single-cell analysis, on the otherhand, offers more detailed insight into population variability, thereby providing new, in-depth knowledge of the function of the cells and correlation between various cellularprocesses. Such measurements are central for Synthetic biological approaches that bydefinition require quantitative information on the behaviour of the designed and engineeredparts and systems.ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:Molecular biology of yeast, Cell physiology, Microbiology. Further expectations:• a solid academic background with an PhD/MSc in relevant fields• scientific ambition, motivation and strong interest in cutting-edge research• team working skills in an international working environment• inventiveness and initiative personality• good analytical and problem solving skills• good English language skillsWe offer• an opportunity to contribute to the strategic capabilities of a world-class researchorganization• outstanding supervision by top research scientists of your field• an innovative work community for aspiring researchers• assistance with housing and other relocation issuesLocation: Espoo, FinlandFor further information, please contact:PhD Dominik Mojzita, [email protected], tel. +358 40 3591 913

Updated 12.6.2014

Research team leader Jussi Jäntti, [email protected], Tel +358 40 1993556

Proposal 12.Synthetic biology tools for the production of novel, hard-to-synthetize structures of plantorigin


Research area: Cell factory/Synthetic biology

Work descriptionSynthetic biology requires a toolbox of standardized interchangeable parts (e.g.transcriptional units) and modular construction methods, such as GoldenBraid, enabling therapid assembly of multigene constructs. The use of synthetic biology to reprogram plantmetabolism also requires suitable host plants.

The aim of the research is to adopt available genes from terpenoid indole alkaloid (TIA)pathway to a modular construction system. Biosynthesis of TIAs requires strictosidine, aprecursor of which is secologanin.

The following objectives are set out:Establishment of cultivation techniques for secologanin-producing plants honeysuckle(Lonicera tatarica) and the common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) to be usedas TIA-free hosts.Modular cloning of TIA pathway genes (available from joint EU SmartCellsequencing).Parallel testing of expression constructs.Metabolic profiling in order to determine the impact on metabolism

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:Plant Biotechnology, Molecular biology, Gene cloning, Metabolite analysis




For further information, please contact:

Updated 12.6.2014

Principal scientist, PhD Heiko Rischer, [email protected], tel. +358 40 720 6834

Proposal 13.Chemical-Biochemical solutions for metals recovery


Research area: Biotechnology, bio-hydrometallurgy, waste water

Work descriptionBioleaching and recovery of metals by using combined hydrometallurgical andmicrobiological means has emerged quite recently as industrial reality, providing acomplementary technique or an alternative for the treatment of certain mineral resourcesfor the recovery of metals such as copper, gold and cobalt in favourable conditions /Biomining (2007) Rawlings, D.E., Johnson, D.B. (Eds.), Springer, Heidelberg. 314 pp./. TheTalvivaara Company Ltd, through the implementation of the first bioheap leaching treatmentof nickel ore has demonstrated that there is potential for Finland to be at the top of theinnovation in this area. It has been also been shown e.g. in various co-European projectsthat combined chemical- biochemical (CBC) hydrometallurgical techniques provide apotential solution that can particularly be implemented to exploit unconventional, complexand low grade mineral resources. The proposed work aims at developing a chemical-biological application for metal recovery from industrial waste water and/or recycledprocessing liquid. Increasing the efficiency of slowly growing sulphate reducing microbes forthe recovery of valuables or hazardous metals from mining process liquids and waste water.by precipitating these preferably as sulfides. The successful candidate will have a main rolein developing industrially feasible processes for the recovery of metals as a side revenuestream for the mining and waste management sector.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:Microbiology, chemical/environmental engineering, hydro-biometallurgy, biochemistry orrelated field

Further expectations:• The successful candidate will be interested in developing scientific results into techno-economically sustainable industrial processes.• a solid academic background with an PhD/MSc in relevant fields• scientific ambition, motivation and strong interest in cutting-edge research• team working skills in an international working environment• ability to work independently• inventiveness and initiative personality• good analytical and problem solving skills• excellent English language skillsWe offer• an opportunity to contribute to the strategic capabilities of a world-class researchorganization• outstanding supervision by top research scientists of your field• an innovative work community for aspiring researchers• assistance with housing and other relocation issuesLocation: Espoo, FinlandFor further information, please contact:Principal Scientist Mona Arnold, [email protected] or

Updated 12.6.2014

Research Professor Pertti Koukkari, [email protected]

Proposal 14.Disintegration and re-assembly of complex protein-rich plant material in thermal andmechanical processes

PostDoc for 12–24 months

Research area: 1 b. Manufacturing technologies to bioeconomy, 1 c. Food Technology,3 iv. Biorefinery concepts

Work descriptionA post-doctoral position is available in a project that applies biomaterial science concepts toplant protein technology. Proteins will be the limiting factor in global nutrition and ability foragile processing of plant material from varying sources will be needed in the future. Thiswork will concentrate on exploitation of two plant protein sources, soy and oats. Genericunderstanding how the biological structures behave under shear and thermal stresses isaimed at. Novel processing approaches to obtain colloidal protein particles will bedeveloped.

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who is interested in processing of protein-richmaterial, and in combining biology with material science. Successful candidate will beinvestigating disintegration of plant materials by shear- and enzyme-induced processes. Abackground in biomaterial science or plant physiology is valued but not required. Experiencein colloid chemistry, microscopy and/or knowledge on soy proteins are beneficial.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:biomaterial science, plant physiology, process engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology orrelated field

Further expectations:• a solid academic background with a PhD in relevant fields• scientific ambition, motivation and strong interest in cutting-edge research• team working skills in an international working environment• inventiveness and initiative personality• good analytical and problem solving skills• willingness to learn new techniques• excellent English language skills



For further information, please contact:Research Professor Kaisa Poutanen, [email protected], tel. +358 40 540 3326 or Head of ResearchArea Raija Lantto, [email protected], tel. +358 40 727 0703

Updated 12.6.2014

Proposal 15.Enzymatic reactions in high consistency environment


Research area: 2 Renewable energy, Biotechnical production of biofuels

Work descriptionThe biorefineries utilizing lignocellulosic biomass are currently being commercialized. Theenzymatic hydrolysis is an essential step when generating fermentable sugars frombiomass. Increasing the biomass concentration in the enzymatic hydrolysis considerablydecreases the total yield. The reasons for this are not well understood. It has been recentlyshown that enzymes without cellulose binding modules (CBMs) can compensate the yieldloss in the high consistency hydrolysis (Varnai et al., 2012). The enzymes without CBMscould open up possibilities to circulate and recover the enzymes and thus improve theprocess economy.

The proposed post doc project aims at increasing understanding on the key generic factorsaffecting hydrolytic enzymes and their reactions in high consistency environment. Morespecifically, the role of CBMs and product and substrate related inhibitions will be analysed.Furthermore enzyme recycling in the enzymatic hydrolysis process will be evaluated.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:Enzymology, protein chemistry, analytics of carbohydrates/ cell wall components.




For further information, please contact:Research Professor Kristiina Kruus, [email protected], tel. +358 20 722 5143

Updated 12.6.2014

Proposal 16.Elucidation of the genetic factors determining a-acetolactate production in brewing yeast



Work descriptionYeast produce the acetohydroxy acid a-acetolactate during fermentation. This molecule hasmajor industrial importance as it spontaneously converts to the flavour-active compounddiacetyl, which imparts a butter- or toffee-like flavour to fermented beverages. Thepresence of this compound at detectable levels can sometimes be seen as positive (e.g.chardonnay wine, some ale styles) but is considered an off-flavour in lager style beers. Itsremoval requires a secondary maturation step that represents a significant cost to the lagerbrewing industry. While the genes involved in the production of a-acetolactate are known(ILV1, ILV2, ILV3, ILV4, ILV5, ILV6) their relative importance in determining a-acetolactatelevels is not known. Likewise, a-acetolactate production varies greatly in brewing yeast andthe reasons for this are unknown.

The aim of this investigation is to elucidate the genetic factors that determine a-acetolactateproduction in brewing yeast with a view to managing diacetyl formation in beer, eitherthrough optimization of process conditions or adaptive evolution of production yeast strains.

Expression of genes involved in a-acetolactate production in a number of brewing yeaststrains displaying natural differences a-acetolactate production during fermentation will becompared. In addition, variant yeast strains engineered via forced evolution to exhibitdifferences in a-acetolactate production will be compared to parent strains in the samemanner. Genes suspected to be the most critical in determining a-acetolactate levels will becloned and sequenced to identify the reasons for differential a-acetolactate production. Areverse engineering approach will be employed to confirm the importance of specific genesor mutations in determining a-acetolactate levels.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:fermentation science, molecular biology, microbiology


We offer• an opportunity to contribute to the strategic capabilities of a world-class researchorganization• outstanding supervision by top research scientists of your field• an innovative work community for aspiring researchers

Updated 12.6.2014

• assistance with housing and other relocation issues


For further information, please contact:Senior Scientist, PhD Brian Gibson, [email protected], tel. +358 40 760 9291

Updated 12.6.2014

Proposal 17.Synthetic biology for environmental technology

PostDoc for 12

Research area: Synthetic biology

Work descriptionA post-doctoral position is available in a project that applies synthetic biology concepts toenvironmental technology. The translation of environmental signals to gene expression levelis essential for environmental applications in particular and for many synthetic biologyapplications in general. The work will concentrate on engineering an interface betweenextracellular signals and synthetic gene networks/circuits.

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who is interested in environmental applicationsof synthetic biology. The successful candidate will be building pollutant responsive systemsby engineering aptamers, proteins and genetic circuits. A background in synthetic biology isvalued but not required. Experience in biomolecular engineering, combinatorial genelibraries or engineered gene networks is beneficial.ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:Biooengineering, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology or related field

Further expectations:• a solid academic background with an PhD/MSc in relevant fields• scientific ambition, motivation and strong interest in cutting-edge research• team working skills in an international working environment• inventiveness and initiative personality• good analytical and problem solving skills• willingness to learn new techniques• excellent English language skills



For further information, please contact:Senior Scientist, PhD Géza Szilvay, [email protected]

Updated 12.6.2014

Proposal 18.Microbial enzyme production for consolidated bioprocessing


Research area: Biotechnology/industrial biotechnology

Work descriptionBiorefinery processes often require enzymes that hydrolyse sugar polymers of plantbiomass. In consolidated bioprocessing the production microbe synthetizes the necessaryhydrolytic enzymes during the process when final product is also formed, which decreasesthe need for external enzyme addition and the associated cost. These microbes are useful inthe production of various products. VTT has been studying consolidated bioprocessing in thecontext of lignocellulose and pectin using yeast or filamentous fungi. Here we suggest that arobust production host will be engineered and tested to further develop options inconsolidated processes. The work will involve screening of suitable gene sources for thedesired hydrolytic enzymes, introduction to the appropriate host and analysis of subsequentperformance on complex substrates. In addition, strategies for enhancing productivitythrough the use of polymeric substrate feeding should be developed.

The objectives of the proposal are:1. To identify suitable enzymes (and corresponding genes) which will perform well inmesophilic temperatures,2. To construct strains of yeast or fungi expressing the chosen enzymes,3. To assess the effectiveness of the designed strains,4. To assess strategies for enhancing enzyme production and secretion, and5. To assess strategies for utilising hydrolytic strains to enhance product formation byrelieving substrate inhibition.ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:,Molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, microbial physiology, fermentationtechnology

Further expectations:• a solid academic background with an PhD/MSc in relevant fields• scientific ambition, motivation and strong interest in cutting-edge research• team working skills in an international working environment• inventiveness and initiative personality• good analytical and problem solving skills• excellent English language skillsWe offer• an opportunity to contribute to the strategic capabilities of a world-class researchorganization• outstanding supervision by top research scientists of your field• an innovative work community for aspiring researchers• assistance with housing and other relocation issuesLocation: Espoo, Finland

For further information, please contact:Principal Scientist, PhD Marja Ilmén, [email protected], tel. +358 20 7224407 or

Updated 12.6.2014

Principal Scientist, PhD Marilyn Wiebe, [email protected], tel. +358 20 7225139

Proposal 19.Enzymatic post-tuning of nanofibrillated cellulose for novel technical use


Research area: Nanotechnology and new materials

Work descriptionWe are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher into a project that aims atmodifying enzymatically chemical and structural properties of nanofibrillated cellulose(NFC). Nanocellulose is a very promising renewable raw material for high tech materialsscience, and changing of the chemical composition and physical dimensions enables tailoringmaterials performance into desired direction according to the application. Non-wood basednanocellulose, e.g. from bagasse, will be used as a source material to be processed further.The successful candidate will concentrate on mapping optimal conditions for controlledenzymatic modification of NFC. The work will also include characterization of post-tuned NFCby microscopy and rheological techniques and by determining chemical composition. Abackground in enzymology is valued. Experience in wood chemistry and biophysicalcharacterization is beneficial.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:Wood chemistry, enzymology, biochemistry, biophysics, material science or related field

Further expectations:• a solid academic background with an PhD/MSc in relevant fields• scientific ambition, motivation and strong interest in cutting-edge research• team working skills in an international working environment• inventiveness and initiative personality• good analytical and problem solving skills• willingness to learn new techniques• excellent English language skills



For further information, please contact:Senior Scientist, PhD Arja Paananen, [email protected]

Updated 12.6.2014

Proposal 20.Studies on diffusion of water through membranes


Research area: 5

Work descriptionIn the project water diffusion/transportation of water through novel bio-basedfoams/filters/membranes will be studied. The novel bio-based membranes will be used forwater purification of industrial and drinking water. These bio-based functional filtermaterials are expected to provide a highly energy efficient, biodegradable, non-toxic andgreen substrate for water cleaning. The investigation of water transportation in themembranes can reveal important information about the structure and properties of themembranes. The mobility of water can be studied with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)using techniques such as PFG (pulsed field gradient) and DOSY. In addition, it is importantto study the pore size and the pore size distribution in the membranes and this can beaccomplished by determining the T1/T2 relaxation times. Another aspect of the project willbe to study the transportation of contaminants in the membranes. The successful candidateshould have experience in T1 and T2 measurements for 1H, diffusion techniques includingDOSY, HR-MAS probe head operation including gradient.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:Physical chemistry, Chemistry, Materials science



Location: Espoo

For further information, please contact:Ph.D. Eva-Lena Hult, [email protected]

Updated 12.6.2014

Proposal 21.New economically and industrially feasible synthesis methods for preparing thermoplasticcellulose derivatives


Research area: 5

Work descriptionCellulose, the most abundant natural polymer in nature, is renewable, biodegradable, andbiocompatible. Therefore, people are increasingly paying attention to this natural polymer,considering it as an almost inexhaustible source of raw material to make replacements forpetrochemicals in the future. Cellulose can also be obtained in several nano-sizedmorphologies, such as nanofibrillated or nanocrystalline cellulose. In this project the aimwould be to prepare and study different new reaction methods for chemically orenzymatically modifying cellulose and preparing thermoplastic cellulose derivatives, whichcould replace petroleum based chemicals in plastics, composites and coatings. Besidesmaking model compounds using known chemistry, the idea would be to study new solventsmatrices such as eutectic solvents and ionic liquids and new reagents, such as gases andnatural, bio-oils. The work requires a deep understanding in organic chemistry andbiopolymer properties.

ExpectationsSuccess in this position requires a background in one or several of the following fields:Chemistry



Location: Rajamäki, Finland

For further information, please contact:Senior Research Scientist, Dr. Sauli Vuoti, [email protected], tel. +358 40 4820 303

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PostDoc and PhD positions in the joint program of THE ... · White biotechnology & green chemistry 4 Nanotechnology and new materials ... 1.c Food technology Work description The