Doctoral student in Applied Microbiology: Microbiomes of Drinking Water - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The current position is within a research group examining microbial aspects of water quality from an ecological perspective. We are an inclusive international group using DNA sequencing and other microbial characterizations to describe and understand process in industrial water contexts. In addition to the specific nature of this researcher project, we work with microbes in drinking water, bathing water and wastewater and the molecular methods required to analyze these microbes.

While numerous descriptions exist describing microbial communities in water engineering contexts, little is understood about their function and interaction. The majority of work has characterized bacteria in these systems, in both water and biofilm. An understanding of the roles for different members in these communities can be used to monitor their function and movement in real time using microscopy, flow cytometry and DNA sequencing approaches. This, in turn, can inform managers and process engineers at water utilities and industrial partners about best practice for water treatment.

The proposed doctoral project will use microbial methods to investigate biofilters for drinking water production and examine how these biofilters will adapt and change in a future with climate changes.

Work duties

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 include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

You are resourceful, curious, and thorough with a great ambition to solve both local and global problems. You will plan and conduct sampling of water environments in full-scale drinking water treatment production and conduct laboratory experiments in microbiology. You will manage and compile large datasets, including metagenomics, using various software. You will travel to different sampling sites, as well as for courses and meetings. You enjoy working with different disciplines and exploring different topics outside of your specialist knowledge.

As this doctoral research project is part of the AquaClim research school addressing the FORMAS Strategic Agenda for Research for Transformative and Sustainable Spatial Planning, you will have additional activities connected to this research school involving communication with stakeholders and participation in interdiscliplinary courses outside of a traditional engineering context.  

The work duties can include:

• Field work collecting water and biofilm
• Analysing large data sets of metagenomics and other types of data (i.e. images, water quality)
• Preparing presentations and documents based on research results
• Science communication within the AquaClim research school

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 Applied Microbiology if the applicant has:

• at least 30 credits in the subject (bioscience), of which at least 15 credits from the second cycle and a specialised project of at least 15 second-cycle credits in the subject, or
• an MSc in Engineering, other Master’s degree or other comparable degree including applied bioscience

Additional requirements:

Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Asessment 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:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. Written and oral communication skills. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Good oral and written proficiency in Swedish.
• Experience in programming, preferably R or Python.
• Experience in molecular biology and/or microbiology laboratory work.
• Experience working with industrial partners in the water engineering or treatment field, including sampling.
• Skills in advanced microscopic techniques and/or flow cytometry, including data analysis.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer
Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

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

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 §§.

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.).

Welcome to apply!