Post-doctoral position in membrane filtration techniques - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The subject of this post-doctoral position is in the area of separation technology, in particular processes based on membrane technology applied for the economic and sustainable recovery of plant proteins from agricultural waste streams to be used in food applications.

Project description
In this post-doctoral position, the successful applicant will study, develop and apply filter and membrane separation techniques to recover and concentrate proteins from plant based side-streams for use in food applications.

Specific tasks to be carried out include:

• To define optimum process flows for different agricultural residual streams using membrane processes with appropriate pre- and post-processing techniques.
• To choose the most suitable membrane technologies and membranes based on screening tests that provide optimal protein quality and cost-effectiveness.
• To optimize process conditions such as pressure, temperature and flow conditions (pH, water content etc.) and evaluate these conditions on pilot scale.

The expected results of this work include: a generic process comprising membrane processes for extracting and/or recovering plant proteins from residual streams, and specific process solutions for at least two “case study” streams – quinoa and rape seed protein.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may 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. Workduties include the following:

• Research within the subject area.
• Research within the specific project “Filtration techniques for
  recovery of plant proteins for novel food products”.
• Assisting in procurement of equipment necessary to carry-out the project.
• Planning, co-ordinating and executing/supervising pilot-scale trials.
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.
• Actively seeking external research funding.
• Collaboration with industry and wider society.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above.

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.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in Swedish.
• Master of Science in Food Process Engineering, Chemical Process Engineering or similar.
• Practical and theoretical experience in membrane filtration, recovery of bio-molecules, process development.

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:
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
Applications 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:

To apply for academic positions at LTH