Research Assistant / Intern / Master's thesis project (Enzymes formulations)

About TUMCREATE

TUMCREATE is a multidisciplinary research platform of the Technical University Munich (TUM) at the Singapore Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE). We are joining forces with universities, public agencies, and industry for the advancement of future technologies.

Our large-scale Food Science ‘Proteins4Singapore’ program is funded by Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF). The Technical University Munich (TUM) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) join forces with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI) to research plant-based proteins. The work packages in Proteins4Singapore are supervised by academic experts from TUM and their partner entities.

Please visit www.tum-create.edu.sg for more information about TUMCREATE.

Project Title:

Screening and characterization of bacteria to produce enzymes with relevance for biomass hydrolysis and food biotechnology. 

Project Description:

As part of the Proteins4Singapore initiative, microalgae from indoor production are being investigated as a source of protein and other valuable nutrients. Enzymatic systems represent a valuable tool for the downstream processing of the biomass, such as nutrient extraction and side stream valorization. The project aims to use bacteria as a platform for producing enzymes relevant for processing of microalgae and plant biomass. In an initial screening of a bacterial library, enzyme production will be evaluated in the presence of different substrates. In the second part of the project, a selection of cultivation conditions will be upscaled for a shortlist of strains to lab-scale bioreactors. From these larger batches, the enzymes will be purified using chromatographic methods such as ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography.

Time Commitment:

This is a full-time 6-month Master's thesis project internship in Singapore. The earliest possible start date is September 15th 2025, but flexible after that. We are not considering part-time internship.

Applied Methods:

Microalgae cultivation, bacterial cultivation at flask scale and in lab-scale bioreactor, cultivation monitoring, protein analysis (e.g. Bradford, SDS-PAGE), enzymatic assays (e.g., DNSA), HPLC for sugar profiling, chromatographic methods (e.g. IEX, HIC)

Laboratory Work and Experimentation:

• Conducting experiments related to microalgae and bacterial cultivation, cell harvesting, and extraction of cellular components.
• Establishing and optimizing analytical methods.
• Upscaling of cultivations from flask to lab-scale bioreactor.
• Presentation of research findings during team meetings.
• Active participation in discussions with fellow researchers, and project leads.

Requirements/Competences:

Currently enrolled in a Master’s program in fields such as:

• Biotechnology
• Bio-/Chemical Engineering
• Food Science
• Any related field

Experience and Attitude:

• Laboratory experience related to the above-mentioned methodology is beneficial for this position.
• A strong willingness to learn, contribute, and work independently is equally important.
• Attention to detail when collecting data collection and following protocols.
• Interpretation of experimental results and troubleshooting.
• Teamwork: effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary and international team.

This internship provides an opportunity to work on research at the intersection of biotechnology and food science. The candidate will gain practical experience in a dynamic and international research environment relevant to both academia as well as industry and will contribute to Singapore’s domestic food production and innovative food ecosystem. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions!

What TUMCREATE offers:

• Good amount of leave/vacation days
• Multicultural, vibrant, modern and positive working environment in Singapore
• Campus-sited office location with a host of facilities
• In-building perks including gym, game room and coffee room

Applications:

Please send your application including cover letter (compulsory) and CV to hr@tum-create.edu.sg.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We look forward to your application.