Doctoral student in biotechnology specilized in enzyme technology and bioprocess development - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The work will be conducted at the division of Biotechnology at Kemicentrum, LTH, Lund University, in collaboration with Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition and the company Enza Biotech AB. The division of Biotechnology consists of about 45 researchers and teachers. The research activities at the division are focused on various aspects of environmental-, analytical-, food- medical- and industrial biotechnology and consist of both basic and applied research. The division takes active part in teaching at the undergraduate level in the Biotechnology Engineering programme and International Masters programme in Biotechnology at Faculty of Engineering (LTH)

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.
For further information regarding the subject description, see the general syllabus for doctoral studies in Biotechnology at LTH website. 

Work duties
In this case, the research will mainly be coducted within the FORMAS funded project “Sustainable enzymatic production of chemicals through novel concept of particle stabilized emulsions”. The aim of the projct is to develop new biprocess technololgy for enzymatic processes of poorly water soluble substrates/products. The resarch will focus on using different enzymes in free and immobilized form in aquous and non-conventional media, in which concepts such as water acitivy control and immobilization are key concepts. The devlopment of new bioprocess technology will rely on forming Pickering emulsions, reactor design and building instrumenation for monitoring and control.

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 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 the applicant:

• 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 biotechnology if the applicant 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:

• Relevant experiences in reactor design, water activity control and construction of instrumentation for process monitoring and control are considered as merits.

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. In addition,

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.).

You are also asked to answer the job specific questions