Microalgae cultivation internship

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.

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

Description:

Microalgae cultivation internship

We are seeking a part- or full- time intern to assist in microalgae cultivation. This internship offers a structured attachment program, providing practical experience with a focus on lab-scale operations, flask-scale experiments, and pilot-scale activities. We welcome applications from undergraduate and Master’s students for this position.

The project Proteins4Singapore aims to address Singapore's aspiration to identify ways to domestically grow protein-rich raw materials for the production of novel foods. To this end, the cultivation of microalgae in highly urbanized environments will be investigated. With the growing demand for sustainable protein sources, microalgae present a promising solution due to their high protein content, area-efficient cultivation, and low environmental footprint.

In this microalgae cultivation project, the goal is to optimize cultivation processes to maximize growth and protein production, focusing on media optimization, to make the process more efficient and, finally, cost-effective. Moreover, protein measurement techniques will be employed throughout the cultivation process to accurately assess total protein yields and monitor variations in protein content under different growth conditions.

Applied Methods: Microalgae sterile cultivation, batch cultivation, grow kinetics, Protein analytics, spectrophotometry.

Internship Program:

The internship provides a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience with flexibility in schedule. Key components include:

Practical Exposure: Students will gain extensive hands-on experience with all aspects of microalgae cultivation, from lab-scale culture preparation to pilot-scale operations. This includes working with media preparation, inoculation, and scale-up, as well as operating and maintaining microalgae systems.

Biotechnology Applications: Interns will apply biological and engineering principles to solve challenges in microalgae cultivation, contributing to optimization efforts in flask-scale experiments and pilot-scale activities.

Flask-scale Experiments and Projects: The part-time intern will help design and conduct flask-scale experiments related to microalgae cultivation, assisting in the collection and analysis of experimental data.

Collaborative Teamwork: Work closely with the senior researchers on various research projects and cultivation system operations.

Skill Development: Build technical skills through hands-on tasks like data collection, experimental reporting, and flask-scale optimization. Gain teamwork and project management experience under the guidance of mentors.

Job Responsibilities:

Lab and Flask-Scale Operations:

• Prepare and sterilize media for microalgae cultures.
• Perform flask inoculations, monitor growth, and collect data on flask-scale experiments.
• Assist with data collection and tracking of lab-scale cultures (pH, temperature, etc.).
• Help with cleaning and maintaining cascade ponds alongside the full-time intern.
• Assist in biomass harvesting and post-harvest processing when required.

Flask-Scale Experiments:

• Participate in planning and executing flask-scale experiments, focusing mainly in media optimization.
• Conduct collecting, analyzing, and reporting experimental data.
• Support research efforts to optimize microalgae growth conditions in small-scale cultures.

Data Entry and Monitoring:

• Record data for media preparation, nutrient additions, and culture health observations.
• Maintain accurate logs of daily operations.

Collaborative Tasks:

• Work closely with the researchers and contribute to project-based tasks related to microalgae production and system improvement.

Job Requirements/Competencies:

• Currently enrolled in graduate or undergraduate programs such as Chemical Engineering, Biomolecular Engineering, Bioengineering, Environmental Engineering, Food Science, Biological Sciences, or related disciplines from reputable universities.
• Familiarity with microbiology laboratory procedures and equipment (pipetting, media preparation, sterilization techniques) is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to follow protocols.
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to work in a team.
• Ability to work in both lab and workshop environments.
• This role may involve lifting equipment or materials weighing up to 20 kg.

This internship provides an opportunity to work on cutting-edge research at the intersection of biotechnology, sustainability, and food science. The successful candidate will gain practical experience in a dynamic and international research environment and contribute to Singapore’s protein innovation landscape.

We encourage curiosity, creativity, and a passion for scientific exploration.

Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or need clarification!

What TUM CREATE offers you:

• Intern allowance
• 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 and CV to hr@tum-create.edu.sg.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We look forward to your application.