Description of the workplace

Both applied and fundamental research is conducted at the division of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiologyn in the field of biotechnology, focusing on microbial physiology, precision fermentation, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, enzymes, and enzymatic processes. The purpose of the research is often linked to the development of technology to create sustainable and circular solutions for products and services with applications in the environment, analysis, food, water, agriculture, medicine, and industrial biotechnology for the production of materials, chemicals, and fuels.

The research associated with this advertised position will be part of the project "Fortification of sweet potatoes with highly bioavailable iron to alleviate anemia and hidden hunger," which is funded by the Swedish Research Council. The position will be based in the Division of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology (BAM) located at Kemicentrum, Lund University, in collaboration with other project partners at the department of Process and Life Science Engineering (PLE) and the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science (CEC).

Subject description

Biotechnology plays a pivotal role in the transition towards a sustainable society. In the doctoral program for Biotechnology, living organisms or their components are developed and utilized to achieve technically useful goals using environmentally sustainable methods. With this goal in mind, the research in this PhD project focuses on: 

1. Integrating molecular data at various levels to build in-silico models of iron metabolism in simple and complex organisms.
2. Utilizing large datasets generated from 'omics' studies to derive biologically meaningful interpretations regarding iron translocation and metabolism.
3. Using models and networks to integrate genes, metabolites, proteins, regulatory elements, and other biological components relevant to iron metabolism.
4. Building predictive models that represent the metabolism and translocation of iron.
5. Identifying biological targets to increase the bioavailable iron content in the roots and leaves of root-storing plants.

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

As part of this position, your tasks will include designing and developing quantitative and computational models of iron metabolism and translocation in both simple and complex organisms such as microorganisms and root-storing plants.

Detailed description of work duties:

• Reviewing literature, analyzing data, and identifying gaps to predictive mathematical models for iron translocation mechanisms.
• Collecting and analyzing large-scale datasets using computational tools to find patterns and interactions in the metabolism of iron in microorganisms and plants.
• Developing mathematical and computational models for iron metabolism and translocation, which will be later validated with experimental data.
• Collaborating with researchers from various disciplines for a comprehensive understanding of iron metabolism.
• Communicating and publishing findings in journals, conferences, and scientific discussions.

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 Systems Biology if the applicant has: 

• at least 30 credits in the field of bioscience, including at least 15 second-cycle credits, and a second-cycle degree project of 30 credits in the field, or
• an MSc in engineering or a comparable second-cycle qualification, including elements of applied bioscience.
• at least 30 higher education credits in the subject area of life sciences, which includes at least 15 higher education credits at advanced level in the subject area, or civil engineering degree, master's degree in biotechnology or another degree at a comparable advanced level with elements of applied life sciences.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• A strong documented foundation in mathematics, computer science, physics, and/or statistics at the level of Bachelor and/or master’s degree.

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. participation in R&D projects in academia or industry with experience in building and testing in-silico models of biological processes and pathways from large genome-scale datasets.

Other assessment criteria:

• Strong foundation in mathematics or physics, with a background in mathematics, biological physics or systems biology.
• Proficiency in statistics and data analysis, as well as competence in Python, and/or C++, and/or R.
• Demonstrated experience in building biological in-silico models, as well as knowledge of neural networks and machine learning.
• Experience working on research projects involving the construction of in-silico biological models is advantageous.
• Ability to critically review literature.

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. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university  For international candidates, you can read more about living and working in Sweden on this website https://sweden.se/

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!

Type of employment

Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.