Doctoral student in applied microbiology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Applied Microbiology is a part of the Department of Chemistry. The research conducted focuses on industrially relevant subjects such as microbial production of biofuels and biochemicals, probiotics and food safety to more general research topics such as whole-cell biocatalysis, drinking water biofilms and DNA analysis involving next generation sequencing and pre-PCR processing strategies.

Project description
The overall objective of this PhD program is to understand cell responses to critical process parameters during production that have a significant impact on the stability and probiotic functionality of freeze-dried Lactobacillus reuteri strains. 

The project will include cultivation in different modes of operation followed by freeze-drying processing. Quantitative analysis of cell physiology/metabolism will be performed using a factorial design of experiment (DoE) approach. Physiological reporter systems will be designed and applied in combination with analytical methods such as online flow cytometry, FACS, fluorescence microscopy, and microcalorimetry to understand cell population behaviour under different process unit operations. Statistical data analysis and modeling of cell population heterogeneity will be performed using various software, including Matlab. The project will also include analyses of cell behavior using NGS and proteomics. 

The project is a collaboration between the Division of Applied Microbiology, the Department of Food technology, Engineering and Nutrition and Biogaia AB. The PhD project will work closely together with another PhD student focusing on freeze-drying process in a parallel project at the Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition.  

Work duties
The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%). 

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad. 

A person meets the specific admission requirements if he or she has:

• at least 30 credits in the subject (bioscience), of which at least 15 credits from the second cycle and a specialised project of at least 15 second-cycle credits in the subject, or
• an MSc in Engineering, other Master’s degree or other comparable degree including applied bioscience (such as Biotechnology, Chemical engineering, or similar). 

Finally it is required that the student has the abilities required to manage the education. 

Additional requirements:

• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English. 

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.  

Other assessment criteria:

• Ability to work in a larger project and to interact with industry
• Practical experience of genetic engineering and fermentation technology
• Practical experience of analytical techniques with relevance to the project (for example flow cytometry, HPLC, NGS, PCR and proteomics)
• Skills in programming and data analysis software (e.g. Matlab and R). 

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme. 

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§. 

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, copies of grade certificates (or equivalent), contact details of at least two references, and any other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to (e.g. copies of grades, recommendation letters, etc). The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies. Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.