Doctoral student in Biotechnology specialized in enzyme technology/bioprocess technology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

ScanOats is a newly established industrial research centre in collaboration between the academy and the industry. We conduct basic and applied research on oats and oat-based products. Oat is an important crop both for the Swedish agriculture and for the food chain. ScanOats is unique in the sense that we cover the entire chain from basic research, genome sequencing, cultivar development, field testing, mild processing and fractionation, and clinical health trials. 

Subject description
Biotechnology is of key importance for the transition to a sustainable society. Biotechnology research develops and exploits microorganisms or components of microorganisms to attain useful technological goals with environmentally sustainable methods. The areas of application include environmental biotechnology, industrial biotechnology and biotechnology in healthcare.

The specialisations of the research studies subject are: i) microbial and enzymatic methods of producing chemicals, materials and energy carriers from renewable raw materials; ii) increased use of biorefineries through use/development of biotechnical methods/tools; iii) biotechnical methods of cleaning contaminated environments; iv) development of efficient microorganisms and enzymes through methods of molecular biology and enzyme technology as catalysts for these processes; v) insulation and use of microorganisms and enzymes from extreme environments; and vi) development of bioanalyses and biosensors for use within the healthcare, environment and processing sectors. The research includes both basic studies and direct applications within the area. 

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 may also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%). 

The research will mainly be conducted within the research program Scanoats, which is a an industrial research center funded by the Swedish foundation for Strategic research, SSF. The aim of the projct is to develop new carbohydrate products based on oat fibre. The developed production processes is expected to contain biotechnology based steps. Typical products are food ingredients with positive health effects. The work will be conducted at the Division of Biotechnology at Kemicentrum, Lund University, in collaboration with researchers within the other subprojects of Scanoats as well as with the ScanOats industrial partners Lantmännen, Oatly and Swedish Oat Fiber. 

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 field of bioscience, including at least 15 second-cycle credits, and a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in the field, or
• an MSc in engineering or a comparable second-cycle qualification, including elements of applied bioscience. 

Additional requirements:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good theroetical and practical knowledge in biotechnology, especially within the area of enzyme technology and bioprocess technology. 

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:

Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish is a merit

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, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).