Kwame Nkrumah University

Position Title: Postdoctoral Researcher – Potash brine and phosphogypsum valorization. Duration: 12 months. Position Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled postdoctoral researcher to join a multidisciplinary research project dedicated to the sustainable valorization of potash brine and phosphogypsum, with a specific focus on bioleaching technologies. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing the use of environmentally friendly bioleaching techniques for the extraction of valuable resources from these industrial by-products. The project embedded in a circular economy approach aimed at reducing environmental impacts while creating value from industrial co-products, namely phosphogypsum and residual brines generated by sedimentary potash processing activities. The postdoctoral researcher will investigate the valorization of each material separately through physicochemical and biological approaches, with the objective of identifying optimal pathways for resource recovery. The project will also focus on the combined treatment of phosphogypsum and brines, studying the synergistic and symbiotic effects arising from their interaction within integrated bioprocesses. This work will contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable strategies for the recovery of sulfur, magnesium, potassium and other valuable elements from industrial residues. Area of Research: Valorization of industrial by-products derived from sedimentary potash processing and phosphoric acid production. The research will involve physicochemical and biological treatment approaches for potash brines and phosphogypsum, as well as the development of integrated processes exploiting potential synergistic effects between both materials within a circular economy framework. Main responsibilities: Conduct a comprehensive literature review on potash brine management, phosphogypsum valorization, and related physicochemical and biological processing routes. Perform chemical, mineralogical, and physicochemical characterization of potash brines and phosphogypsum. Design and carry out laboratory-scale experiments to investigate separate valorization pathways for brines and phosphogypsum; Develop and evaluate integrated treatment strategies combining both materials, with particular attention to synergistic and symbiotic effects; Study process parameters affecting the recovery of sulfur, magnesium, potassium, and other valuable elements; Analyze, interpret, and synthesize experimental results to support process optimization; Contribute to the assessment of the environmental and sustainability performance of the developed processes; Prepare scientific publications, technical reports, and presentations; Candidate Profile: Required qualifications : PhD in chemical Engineering, biotechnology or related discipline. Proven experience in mineral characterization, liquid analysis and process development; Strong background in solution chemistry and bioprocessing; Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; Strong scientific writing and communication abilities in English; Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative research environment. Application Documents: Interested candidates should submit the following documents: Cover letter Detailed CV List of publications Copies of diplomas Professional references (minimum of 2) 

Work at the cutting edge of next‑generation biomanufacturing within a globally recognised synthetic biology research environment. Grow your career in an interdisciplinary, well‑resourced ecosystem with access to advanced facilities, platforms, and strong industry collaborations. Full-time (1 FTE) appointment on a fixed term basis for 2 years. Base salary range: Level A, $112,371 p.a. (pro-rata) plus 17% superannuation. About the area The UWA School of Molecular Sciences (SMS) is one of Australia’s leading research environments in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and synthetic biology. Based in the modern Bayliss Building precinct, the school provides access to world-class infrastructure including advanced microscopy, multi-omics platforms, analytical chemistry suites, and dedicated fermentation and bioprocess facilities. You will join the Synthetic Microbiology Laboratory specialising in engineering ultra-fast microbial chassis for sustainable biomanufacturing. The team is best known for its pioneering work on Vibrio natriegens, including the development of advanced genetic toolkits, high-throughput engineering platforms, and systems-level optimisation strategies. The group works at the interface of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and bioprocess design, and maintains close collaborations with academic and industry partners. Members benefit from a highly supportive, technically strong, and ambitious research culture, with regular engagement in high-impact publications, translational projects, and large-scale funding initiatives. This integrated environment offers exceptional opportunities to build an international research profile while working with state-of-the-art infrastructure and a collaborative, forward-looking research team. About the opportunity This position is part of a major interdisciplinary research program focused on establishing Vibrio natriegens—the fastest-growing bacterium known—as a next-generation microbial cell factory for sustainable biomanufacturing. The project aims to convert sugarcane-derived feedstocks into high-value polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), offering scalable, low-carbon alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. By integrating advanced strain engineering with rigorous bioprocess optimisation, the program seeks to deliver high-productivity, seawater-based, and resource-efficient fermentation systems that are economically and environmentally competitive. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will play a central role in translating laboratory-scale advances into robust, scalable processes. Your work will span small-scale screening through to early pilot-scale operation, with a strong emphasis on: High-cell-density and fed-batch cultivation Media and feeding strategy optimisation Process robustness and reproducibility Scale-down and early scale-up modelling Integration of strain performance, sustainability, and techno-economic constraints You will work closely with strain engineers, students, and collaborators in a highly integrated team, where biological design, process performance, and commercial considerations jointly inform development decisions. The role also involves contributing to high-impact publications, student supervision, and future funding proposals, providing strong exposure to translational research and career development opportunities. About you Degree qualification or equivalent experience in bioprocess engineering, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or a related discipline Experience in microbial fermentation, bioprocess development, and hands‑on bioreactor operation Strong analytical ability, including quantitative data analysis and familiarity with HPLC/GC/LC‑MS Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively Experience with scale‑up/scale‑down approaches and an understanding of sustainability or techno‑economic considerations Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations. Position description: PD - Postdoctoral Research Associate (522521).pdf To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Georg Fritz at georg.fritz@uwa.edu.au How to apply Please apply online via the Apply Now button and address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria. You may submit a statement describing any personal circumstances relevant to your application. This can include academic/professional interruptions or achievements relative to opportunity. Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Monday 11 May 2026 This position offers visa sponsorship for successful applicants. Benefits Flexible working options. Generous paid leave including parental leave. Up to 17% employer paid superannuation. Salary packaging available. Incremental progression based on 12 months continuous service. Discounted UWA course fees. Discounted health insurance. Employee Assistance Program. About the University The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university. Learn more about us. Our commitment to inclusion and diversity UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability. If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process. If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at people@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.

Job Description LIFE SCIENCE IMAGING CENTER Research Assistant (25260649) The research assistant is expected to contribute/support cognitive neuroscience research on interdisciplinary projects, duties include literature review, data collection, data analysis and drafting manuscript. The appointee is expected to work with researchers at Life Science Imaging Center (LSIC). LSIC is a central research facility (https://lsic.hkbu.edu.hk/) built to support and promote cutting-edge neurocognitive studies across disciplines at HKBU. LSIC is equipped with a high-performance 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system that enables researchers to explore the structure and function of human brain. A high-performing computing server has been set up to support MRI data analysis.  Responsibilities: Manage MRI slot booking and the subject booking system, do data preprocessing, help with task programming, and manage devices (EEG/TMS/biopac/eyetracking/fNIRS); Help with administrative duties, such as organising workshops, inviting speakers, reimbursement; and Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in sciences or other related disciplines (e.g., Psychology, neuroscience);  Good analytical, communication and interpersonal skills; Good command of written and spoken English and Chinese (good command of Cantonese is preferred); and Experience with some neuroscience-related equipment (EEG/TMS/biopac/eyetracking/fNIRS) is preferable. The initial appointment will be offered on a fixed-term contract of 12 months commencing as soon as possible. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Application Procedure: Applicants are invited to submit their applications to the HKBU e-Recruitment System. Those who are not invited for interview 8 weeks after submission of application may consider their applications unsuccessful. Details of the University’s Personal Information Collection Statement can be found at https://hro.hkbu.edu.hk/en/worklife-at-hkbu/employee-favourable-environment.html#privacy-policy. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment for the post advertised, and the appointment will be made according to the terms and conditions applicable at the time of offer. Review of applications is ongoing until the position is filled.