PhD Project: Growth Parameters of Microalgae

Overview

As the world’s population increases from 7.3 to 9.5 billion by 2050 the demand for protein will increase from 202 to 360 million tonnes. Increasing the production of animal-based proteins is not a viable option due to GHG emissions. Microalgae are an ideal alternative food source as the industry does not require arable land, requires less water than animal farming and consumes CO2.

The project proposed aims to investigate the relationship between growth parameters of microalgae and its constituents with respect to functionality and health properties.

Project

The PhD candidate will be supervised by Dr Graham O’Neill and Professor Nissreen Abu-Ghannam and will be based on the TU Dublin Campus in Grangegorman located in the new world class facilities at the Central Quad and the Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute (ESHI). The project provides funding for a period of 4 years.

For further inquiries please email Dr Graham O’Neill at graham.oneill@tudublin.ie Qualifications The ideal candidate will show a deep interest in microalgae / sustainable food production / food science. As part of their studies the student will spend a significant portion of their time conducting laboratory research and reading scientific papers. Candidates should be enthusiastic, self-motivated individuals, who interact well within a larger research team and can work on their own initiative. Candidates from a Microbiology or Food Science background are encouraged to apply. The student will possess; 1. An honours degree in Microbiology or Food Science or a related discipline. 2. Commitment to research and excellent problem-solving skills. 3. Excellent scientific, organisational and project management skills. 4. Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. 5. Good interpersonal and communications skills

The deadline for application is 5 pm on Wednesday May 12th 2021. Applicants should submit their application by email to graham.oneill@tudublin.ie