Project assistant at the Department of Process and Life Science Engineering

Description of the workplace 

The Food Hygiene and Food and Bioprocesses research groups at the Department of Process and Life Science Engineering represent all aspects of food production and food safety. These research groups have several interdisciplinary collaborations in both academia and industry and perform basic research, but also applied research for commercial applications. 

We offer 

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a new workplace. 
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Work duties 

The position involves participation in ongoing research projects aimed at transforming plant-based residues into valuable ingredients and products for the food market.

The primary tasks are to support and practically assist the research groups with analyses of materials extracted from agricultural residue streams. The tasks mainly include microbiological analyses such as traditional cultivation methods and identification of microorganisms in the fibre residue from oat drink production. A large part of the microbiological analyses will focus on the cultivation and identification of spore-forming bacteria. Analysis of nutrient composition (dry matter, protein, fat, ash, fibre analysis) and functional properties (gel formation, water, fat holding capacity, emulsifying capacity, and rheology analysis using RVA and DSC) will also be relevant. The tasks also include cooperation with industrial partners.

Qualifications  

Required qualifications for the position are:

• Degree of Master of Science in Biotechnology with specialisation in Food Technology, degree of Master of Science in Food Technology and Nutrition, degree of Master of Science in Biotechnology, or equivalent.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good knowledge and practical experience in basic food analyses.
• Very good knowledge and practical experience of basic microbiological methods, such as cultivation and isolation of bacteria.
• Experience in PCR-based identification methods such as Sanger sequencing.

Additional qualifications for the position are:

• Pedagogical experience.
• Experience working with plant-based residual streams.
• Good knowledge of scientific writing.
• Practical experience in cultivation, isolation and identification of spore-forming bacteria.
• Experience in fermentation processes.
• B driving licence.

We will attach great importance to personal suitability. Consideration will be given to commitment, independence and good communication and cooperation skills, both within the project team and towards external partners. Great emphasis will also be placed on how the applicant, through their experience and expertise, is judged to complement and strengthen the scientific work and the research groups that the person will work with.

Further information 

The position is a fixed-term employment for 9 months at 100 percent of full-time with a start date by agreement.

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 certificates 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!