Mingyu Qiao

Postdoctoral Research Associate opportunity at the University of Connecticut in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Storrs Campus. This opening is with Dr. Mingyu Qiao and focuses on algal biomanufacturing , green biorefinery , sustainable biomanufacturing , algal biotechnology , microbial fermentation , and food nutrients analysis . The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research group working on sustainable biomanufacturing, algal biotechnology, food and nutrition systems, and low-cost production of health-promoting nutritional ingredients. The role is a full-time, 12-month postdoctoral appointment with an anticipated start date of August 15, 2026 . The position is funded for one year, with renewal beyond one year contingent on funding availability and satisfactory performance. Minimum qualifications include a PhD in Food Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date. Applicants should have hands-on laboratory research experience in bioprocessing, microbial or algal cultivation, fermentation, food systems, or biotechnology, plus experience with analytical or biochemical characterization methods and strong communication skills. The post also values independence, collaboration, and scholarly productivity. Preferred experience includes algal biotechnology, microbial fermentation, anaerobic digestion, sustainable bioprocessing, bench-scale bioreactors, process-control systems, lipid/fatty acid/metabolite analysis, downstream processing, extraction, separation, encapsulation, translational research, scale-up, entrepreneurship, global nutrition systems, and mentoring students. Applicants currently based in the U.S. are preferred. To apply, send a cover letter and CV by email to [email protected] with the subject line Application – Postdoc in Algal Biomanufacturing [Your Name] . Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview.

PhD opportunity at the University of Connecticut with Professor Mingyu Qiao for a U.S. Department of Energy-funded project on converting farmed seaweed into sustainable fuels , with a strong focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) . The research is highly interdisciplinary and may involve seaweed preservation , biological conversion , membrane separation , catalytic upgrading , techno-economic analysis , and commercialization . Depending on background and interests, the student may be placed in Chemical Engineering , the Institute of Materials Science , or Nutritional Sciences . The selected PhD student will help lead a multidisciplinary team of graduate students and postdocs and will be expected to contribute to building a seaweed-to-SAF startup based on technologies developed through the project. The supervisor emphasizes mentorship in both research and technology commercialization, and UConn’s entrepreneurship training and incubator resources are highlighted as strengths. Ideal applicants have strong leadership and project management skills, experience in biofuels , biotechnology , or related areas, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Applicants currently residing in the United States are preferred. How to apply: email a CV and brief statement of interest to [email protected] with the subject line PhD SW-SAF [Your Name] . Qualified applicants will be contacted for a virtual interview. The post indicates a Fall 2026 start.