As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT.

The primary responsibility of this role is to deliver on an industry innovation research project where you will be part of the research team to develop an automated profiling and functional characterization platform for plant-based protein ingredients in food and beverages. To this end, you will be involved in work on two themes. One theme is to link use properties of the ingredients with the functional properties of the protein fractions through use of data analytics. The second theme is to develop understanding of the sustainability implications of the fractionation technology through assessment of fractionation processes as well as contributing to the design of a future pilot plant.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Participate in and manage the research project with Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI and the research team members to ensure all project deliverables are met.
2. Undertake these responsibilities in the project:
   1. Perform lifecycle sustainability assessment and techno-economic analyses for large-scale extraction and fractionation of mung bean/rice/spent barley proteins for food and beverage applications.
   2. Contribute to the conceptual design of a pilot plant that could provide additional key data for future scale-up, LCA and techno-economic work
   3. Generate and maintain a database of the proteins’ key functional properties under different experimental conditions.
   4. Perform data analytics (e.g., clustering, multivariate prediction, etc.) with the database
   5. Present research findings in meetings with industrial collaborators or conferences; prepare peer-reviewed publications on the findings.
   6. Engage and communicate with vendors/suppliers for purchasing equipment and visit vendors’ facilities for both equipment evaluation and training purpose.
3. Carry out Risk Assessment, and ensure compliance with Work, Safety and Health Regulations.
4. Work independently, as well as within a team, to ensure proper operation and maintenance of equipment.

Job Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related fields. Possessing a Master’s or PhD degree will be advantageous. 
2. Proficiency in handling large multivariate data sets and the ability to analyze and interpret results using Microsoft Excel, Tableau or Python libraries for data analytics (e.g., the scikit-learn library).
3. Sound knowledge in mass and energy balance and process design. Knowledge in biotechnology / biochemistry, as well as previous work experience in LCA / sustainability study will be advantageous but not a must.
4. Good interpersonal, communication and technical writing skills. Good problem-solving skills.