Project Assistant in Biotechnology

Description of the workplace 

The division of Biotechnology, located at Kemicentrum in Lund, consists of about 40 researchers and teachers. The research activities are focused on various aspects of environmental-, analytical-, food- medical- and industrial biotechnology and consist of both basic and applied research. The division takes active part in teaching at the undergraduate level in the Biotechnology Engineering programme and International Masters programme in Biotechnology at Faculty of Engineering (LTH) .

We offer 

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 

We offer a collaborative and supportive research environment where new employees can engage in hands-on experiments, work alongside experienced researchers, and contribute to innovative projects with real-world applications.

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University 

Work duties 

The position is based in a dynamic research team, the BioOrg group, working on advanced biochemical engineering projects. The team specializes in reaction engineering, particularly in biocatalytic processes using immobilized enzymes and real-time reaction monitoring systems. This position will contribute to ongoing research focused on developing automated reactor systems for enzymatic reactions, particularly transesterification, using Arduino-based reactor control systems.

As a Project Assistant, your tasks will be:

• Assisting with the development and optimization of an Arduino-based automatic reactor control system, to monitor and regulate water activity during transesterification/alcoholysis reactions.
• Conducting experiments to improve the real-time monitoring systems for reaction progression using alcohol and humidity sensors.
• Managing the reactor system’s performance, including wet/dry nitrogen gas supply, side product removal with sparging, and making sure that the sensors are well calibrated.
• Using analytical chemistry techniques such as GC-FID, HPLC, LC-MS.
• Collaborating with team members to collect and analyze experimental data, prepare reports, present findings, and engage in scientific publication writing.
• Participating in group discussions and contributing to the development of new research ideas and methodologies.

Qualifications

Required qualifications for the position are:

• Master’s degree in biotechnology, chemical Engineering, biochemical engineering, or a related field.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to document all work in accordance to good laboratory practises.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Additional qualifications for the position are:

• Hands-on experience with Arduino or similar microcontroller/microcomputer platforms.
• Knowledge of enzymatic reactions, particularly transesterification, and experience in conducting lab-scale experiments.
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques such as GC-FID, HPLC, LC-MS.
• Experience with rotating bed reactor design and enzymatic reaction real-time monitoring systems.
• Familiarity with immobilized enzymes and their use in industrial processes.
• Basic programming skills for Arduino (C/C++) or other relevant programming language.
• Experience in academic research or industry labs involving biocatalytic processes.

Further information 

This is a fixed-term position for 5 months, starting preferably in October 2024. The position is full-time. Interviews will be conducted at our Lund premises or digitally during October.

How to apply 

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificates or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome with your application!