Research theme: Efficient enzymatic conversion of biomass to bio-based compounds

The University of Eastern Finland invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher position (4 years) in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND . The position is based on Joensuu campus, and it is expected to begin no later than 1 April 2027. Applications must be submitted no later than 10 August 2026.

Description of the research theme

Biomass serves as a renewable, carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels. This PhD project focuses on enzyme-driven processes for converting renewable lignocellulosic biomasses into bio-oils and high-value biobased chemicals. The project aims to exploit nonphosphorylative metabolic pathway enzymes for converting pentose sugarsparticularly xylose and arabinose derived from lignocellulosic biomassinto highvalue biobased chemicals. Xylonolactonase and pentonate dehydratases of the Weimberg/Dahms pathway are Fe-dependent enzymes. One o...