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

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, see the general syllabus for doctoral studies in Biotechnology (https://www.student.lth.se/fileadmin/lth/student/PhD_Students/Subject_Curricula/Bioteknik_2020-09-08_eng.pdf).

The research will be carried out within the project ScanOats (http://www.scanoats.se/) which is an industrial research center funded by the Foundation for Strategic Research (https://strategiska.se/en/). The work will mainly be carried out at the Division of Biotechnology at the Department of Chemistry, Lund University, in collaboration with other university researchers and the companies Lantmännen, Oatly and Swedish Oat Fiber.

Work duties
This current sub-project within ScanOats will focus on oat lipids and enzymatic conversion of these. The lipids will be analyzed  using gas chromatography, HPLC and mass spectrometry. The emulsifying properties of the polar oat lipids will be investigated and the possibilities of producing oat-based lipid products with saturating properties will be studied. Furthermore, oat enzymes and their effects on the oat lipids will be studied.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. Participation in the division’s teaching is another important task. This and other departmental work should occupy a maximum of 20% of working hours.

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:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

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:

• Theoretical and practical experience of enzyme technology and bioprocess technology 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.).

You are also asked to answer the job specific questions.