Postdoctoral position in Industrial Biotechnology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The position of a Postdoctoral researcher is placed at the Department of Chemistry, Division of Biotechnology, which conducts research and education at undergraduate and graduate level within various branches of biotechnology. The specific research areas being pursued are industrial biotechnology, environmental biotechnology and biotechnology for health, involving both fundamental and applied aspects. The postdoctoral position is in the area of industrial biotechnology, in which the division runs several multidisciplinary projects in collaboration with other research- and industrial partners. The projects involve the development and optimization of microorganisms and enzymes, and processes for transformation of renewable resources into chemical building blocks for sustainable chemicals and plastics suited for circular economy.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. The Division of Biotechnology offers an international environment and has 35 employees of which there are 9 senior researchers and 10 doctoral students.

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University

Subject description

The postdoctoral position involves research in the area of industrial biotechnology and involves:

• development of processes for production of furan based and aliphatic building blocks from biomass and bioprocess residues,
• upscaling of bioprocesses,
• techno-economic evaluation of the processes, and
• evaluation of the products in collaboration with project partners.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

You will have the main responsibility for:

• planning and performing the experimental work,
• interaction with the academic and industry partners,
• production of samples for evaluation,
• internal and external communication,
• writing of scientific articles,
• supervision of students for their degree projects and
• administration related to the above tasks.

The experimental work involves developing and producing effective biocatalysts i.e. relevant enzymes and microorganisms for catalysing the reactions of interest, optimizing process parameters, product analyses and evaluation. 

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 area of research for the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

You are to have theoretical and practical knowledge and experience in:

• microbiology and molecular biology techniques,
• fermentation technology,
• bioinformatic analysis,
• recombinant protein production, protein engineering,
• purification of proteins and low molecular weight products,
• biocatalysis using enzymes and microbial cells,
• chromatographic and spectrometric analyses.

Additional requirements:

• Experience of publications in high impact journals
• Good collaborative skills, drive and independence.   
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

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.
• Experience of collaborating with researchers from other fields
• Good pedagogic and communication skills.
• Experience of supervising students. 
• Willingness to train colleagues and students in developing lab skills
• Responsibility of maintaining laboratory and equipment in order

Other qualifications:

Experience with oxidative biocatalysts preferably in combination with modification of furan compounds will be considered a merit. 

Consideration will also be given to 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.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment 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”).

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: http://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/

Welcome with your application!