BSc/MSc internship project: Development and validation of an in-house biodegradation assessment method for PHA materials

Motivation:

Renewable biodegradable bioplastics can be produced from organic waste streams through microbial processes. During biological wastewater treatment, bacteria can be stimulated to synthesize and store polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable bio-polyesters that offer a sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics. To support the transition towards a circular economy, recovered PHAs must demonstrate that they are suitable for their intended applications and comply with technical and legislative requirements. Besides material performance, their environmental impact should also be determined and understood.

The objective of this internship is to develop and validate an in-house method for evaluating the biodegradation of PHA materials and PHA-based blends. The project will investigate suitable testing conditions, optimize experimental procedures, and evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of the method.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development and optimization of a laboratory protocol for evaluating the biodegradation of PHA materials.

• Running biodegradation tests.

• Contribute to assessing the repeatability of the method.

• Data analysis and reporting.

Your benefits:

• Allowance of up to 425 €/month. Grant holding students (i.e. Erasmus or others) receiving financial support of less than €425 per month can apply for a top-up supplement to the maximum allowance.

• International work environment.

• Hands-on research experience.

• Contribution to the field biobased circular economy.

Profile:

• Graduate (BSc. Or MSc) student.

• Background in Biotechnology or related field.

• Aptitude and interest for experiments, analysis methods, and data management.

• Allowed to relocate to Leeuwarden.

• Responsible, organized, rigorous, and proactive.

• English proficiency (written and conversational skills)

Feel free to contact Raquel Barbosa (< E-Mail aus Sicherheitsgründen gelöscht >) if you have further questions or need more information. Please upload your CV (max 2 pages, A4) and motivation letter (max. 1 page, A4) and a list of the relevant courses attended and the equivalent ECTS via the application form provided (in English) on the Wetsus Website.