Doctoral student in Biotechnology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

Division Biotechnology at Dept of Chemistry at Lund University is a part of the Faculty of Engineering and is reseraching and teaching  in the application areas environmental biotechnology, industrial biotechnology and biotechnology for health.

The research connected to this position will be executed in the project BIONEER which is a Horizon Europe project. The work will mainly be executed at the Division Biotechnology (Dept of Chemistry, Lund University) and will be made in collaboration with the other project partners.

Subject description

Biotechnology is of central importance for the transition to a sustainable society. In the postgraduate subject biotechnology, microorganisms or components thereof are developed and utilized to achieve technically useful goals with environmentally sustainable methods. Special application areas are environmental biotechnology, industrial biotechnology and biotechnology for health. The postgraduate subject focuses on: i) Microbial and enzymatic methods for creating chemicals, materials and energy carriers from renewable raw materials. ii) Increased resource utilization in biorefineries through the use / development of biotechnological methods / tools. iii) Biotechnological methods for the purification of contaminated environments. (iv) development of efficient micro-organisms and enzymes via molecular biological and enzyme-based methods for catalysts for these processes; (v) isolation and utilization of micro-organisms and enzymes from extreme environments; and (vi) the development of bio-analysis and biosensors for use in healthcare, environmental and process applications.

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

In this employment the work tasks will include microbial and enzymatic conversions for the production of biobased chemicals/materials. Techniques will include microbial cultivation technology, production, purifications and characterization of enzymes, analysis of materials and products after microbial and enzymatic conversions. Techniques will include microbial cultivation technology, down-stream processing, and analytical techniques e.g. spectrophotometry, HPAEC-PAD, HPLC and mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics will also be included in the work tasks.

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 inom the field of bioscience of which at least 15 includes studies on advanced level, as well as a project of at least 15 credits on advanced level in the field, or
• engineering exam, MSc exam or other comparable exam at advanced level with corresponding parts of 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 in microbial cultivation and bioprocess technology is a merit
• Experience of work with enzymes and biobased materials (biomass) is a merit.

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!