Project Title: Extraction processes of Algae-based skeletons for sustainable microrobotics

Swedish Algae Factory is an award-winning company founded in 2016 with the vision to create a climate positive business with the help of microalgae. Today, the company cultivates diatoms in a circular production process and extracts their mesoporous silica shells (called frustules) in a proprietary extraction process. The frustules are sold under the product name Algica®. Algica® is researched as a carrier material for controlled release of active substances in wound care, as a support for enzymes in biocatalysis and for advanced filtering applications and Algica® is used today as a sustainable alternative in personal care products. At Swedish Algae Factory you get to join a dedicated team passionate about sustainability and motivated by curiosity. Visit www.swedishalgaefactory.com for more info.

The GREENS-program is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network that offers the possibility to pursue a PhD within the Network at different universities, research centres and companies across Europe. The programme focuses on creating sustainable micro and nanoscale robots. The use of these robots can range from advanced drug delivery, sensing and diagnostics, chemical processes and water decontamination. The mesoporous silica frustules derived from diatoms could be a sustainable robotic chassi for these applications.

Objectives: Develop and optimize new extraction protocols to enable the extraction of valuable components from the diatom biomass and to improve the sustainability of the diatom frustule extraction. Link material characteristics of the diatom frustules to its potential use as chassis in micro- and nano robotics and investigate how the new extraction processes influence these characteristics.

Expected results: Chemical characterization of the diatom biomass; Validated separation and extraction protocols with characterized fractions; Mapping of the frustule characteristics and their link to the extraction protocols and other process parameters.

The duration of the appointment is 4 years, starting latest in August 2025. Swedish Algae Factory is located both in Gothenburg and Kungshamn, Sweden. The PhD will be based in Gothenburg with the University of Gothenburg as academic residence.

Importantly, the Marie Curie eligibility criteria must be respected. Eligible early-stage researchers (ESRs) are those who are, at the date of recruitment, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate. In addition, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organization (Sweden in this case) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Researchers can be nationals of any country (including all countries outside Europe).

Send your application to jobs@swedishalgaefactory.com as soon as possible, but latest the 30th of April. The recruitment takes place continuously. Please attach your CV and a short explanation of why you are the right candidate for the position. You must be fluent in English and hold a relevant academic degree in chemistry, biotechnology or similar subject. We believe that a succesful candidate is good at taking initiative, can work independantly and has good communication skills.