Post doctoral position in applied microbiology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The position is placed at the Department of Chemistry, the Division of Applied Microbiology (TMB) and the Division of Biotechnology (BT). TMB and BT carries out research and education with focus on industrially relevant subjects such as microbial and enzymatic production of biofuels and biochemicals, probiotics, prebiotics, and food safety to more general research topics such as whole-cell biocatalysis, biosensors, drinking water biofilms and DNA analysis involving next generation sequencing and pre-PCR processing strategies.

The research will be carried out in the project ”Flow cytometry driven engineering of novel pickering emulsions for improved microbial production of fine chemicals”, which is a cross-disciplinary collaborative project between TMB and BT. The aim of the project is to study novel methods for in situ product removal (ISPR) of fine chemicals in emulsion systems during fermentation with recombinant yeast. Online flow cytometry in combination with new genetic reporter systems will be developed and applied to study cell fitness and Pickering emulsions under different process conditions.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching will also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

This work duties include:

• Research on new genetically encoded biosensors for measuring cell properties of yeast with the help of CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
• Research on new procedures based on on-line flow cytometry to follow and control cell physiological fitness during yeast fermentation for production of fine chemicals.
• Research on novel Pickering emulsions for efficient in situ product removal of fine chemicals during fermentation.
• Teaching in courses and supervision of diploma students within the engineering programs biotechnology and chemical engineering.
• Contribute with applying for external research funding.
• Administration connected to the work duties listed above.

As a post-doc you will work closely with the Project Coordinators, Magnus Carlquist and Carl Grey, and collaborate with other researchers at Lund University (Department of Chemistry).

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Relevant research background and experience for the research and work duties in the project.  

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Good analytical skills and ability to understand and assimilate different research perspectives.
• Experience from research on yeast fermentation processes gene cloning in yeast and reporter gene technology, and flow cytometry.
• Experience from research on enzyme catalysis.
• Experience from research on emulsions.
• Experience in analytical tools for measuring concentrations of organic molecules (e.g. HPLC, MS).
• Good ability to collaborate in projects across disciplinary boundaries.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008. 

Instructions on how to apply
The application shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more: http://www.lth.se/index.php?id=71223