PhD student in Chemical Engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The subject Chemical Engineering is based on knowledge in chemistry, thermodynamics, microbiology, mathematics and economics. Within the postgraduate education, experimental studies are performed, from laboratory scale to pilot scale and in industrial applications, modeling and simulation of technical processes, as well as process design and system analysis. Examples of topics studied are reaction engineering, separation processes and catalysis, pharmaceutical processes, biorefineries and other related topics.

CODOBIO – Continuous Downstream Processing of Biologics - is a recently granted Marie Skłodowska Curie European Training Network, www.codobio.eu. CODOBIO is implemented by a European Consortium of universities, research institutions and companies in the field of bioprocess engineering. Main objectives of CODOBIO are (i) process control and modelling of continuous downstream processes, (ii) miniaturization, scale-up and –down of continuous downstream processes and (iii) process design and development of integrated continuous downstream processes.

This PhD position is a part of the CODOBIO program. The objective of the PhD position is the design of integrated downstream processes for small scale production of biologics. This consists of developing i) design methods for integration of multiple processing steps including chromatography, reactors and membranes, and ii) a platform for autonomous continuous downstream process for small scale production.

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

The research contain the following subtasks:

• Establishment of techniques to integrate all important processing steps on one experimental setup,
• Integration of chromatography columns, chemical reactors and membrane processes,
• Develop methods for automation of connected multiple processing steps,
• Mathematical modelling and optimization of integrated units and their Connections.

In the CODOBIO training network it is mandatory to participate in a set of unique training sessions, organized at other European universities, and to do parts of the research project at a collaborating partner.

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 for third cycle studies in Chemical Engineering if he or she has:

a specialised project of at least 30 second-cycle credits in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or equivalent education.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• The candidate must meet the mobility rule of Marie Skłodowska Curie European Training Network. The candidate must not have lived or performed main business (studies, work, etc.) in Sweden for more than 12 months during the three years preceding the recruitment date.

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:

• Relevant training and experience in model-based engineering, technical computing and programming
• Experience of downstream processing, such as chromatography and membrane processes. 

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.).