Project assistant in microbial biotechnology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace 

The position is placed at the Division of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, located in the Center for Chemistry & Chemical Engineering in Lund (www.biotek.lu.se), which conducts research and education at undergraduate and graduate level within various branches of biotechnology. The Division is highly international and strives to maintain gender balance. Most of our research deals with development of environment-friendly tools and processes based on biotechnology and green chemistry to achieve technical products and services.

We offer

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

Division of Biotechnology offers a workplace where one is exposed to state-of-the-art research in biotechnology and green chemistry, and collaboration with industry for making sustainable chemicals and materials.

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

Work duties 

Work within Mistra research programme STEPS (Sustainable Plastics and Transition Pathways) and EU-Horizon 2020 project UPLIFT (Sustainable plastics for the food and drink packaging industry). The research involves experimental assistance in research on:

• Modification and development of microorganisms and enzymes through genetic engineering and protein engineering for production of carbon-neutral building blocks used in polymer synthesis and for the degradation of plastics, and evaluation of the developed microorganisms and enzymes in the target processes.
• Preparation of gene constructs employing different molecular biology techniques
• Production and optimization of enzymes expression in different hosts
• Running microbial and enzymatic reactions for producing samples for evaluation by the project partners.
• Validation of the results, preparation of reports, participation in meetings with the project partners, and preparation of oral presentations.

Qualifications  

Required qualifications for the position are:

• Master’s degree in biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology or equivalent.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge in molecular biology and cloning techniques and methods, bioinformatics, microbiology and microbial cultivations, protein production, enzyme assay development and characterization, analytical techniques like chromatography and electrophoresis.
• Consideration will be given to good ability in planning and performing experiments, collaborating with other researchers and students, and how the applicant, through his/her experience and competence, is judged to have the ability needed for the research project.

Additional qualifications for the position are:

• Some research experience in related field is of merit.
• Some theoretical and practical knowledge in protein engineering and metabolic engineering will be of merit.
• Good ability for written and oral communication in English, and to communicate with researchers from different fields.
• Ability to perform critical review of literature.

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 

The position is for six months at 100 per cent of full time and starting on 15 January 2024. 
Selection of candidates fulfilling the basic requirements will be done through interviews at our premises in Lund or online via zoom. 

How to apply 

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.).  

Welcome with your application!