Description of workplace

This project is part of Center for food system resilience, FORCE, a center for food system resilience and competitiveness, in the area of ​​Innovative Food Production, where we explore sustainable production techniques with a focus on wheat-based bread with increased whole grain content. It will include close collaborations between the divisions Food and Pharma and Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, both within PLE, and with different food companies. The position is placed at the division of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology with about 40 researchers and teachers.

You will be part of the research group BioOrg, with research focus on Food bioprocessing, with several transdisciplinary collaborations both within academia and industry, and conducts basic research and applied research for commercial applications. The research group includes researchers, professors and PhD students, where the purpose of the research often is linked to the development of technology to create sustainable and circular solutions. The BioOrg group is specialized towards advanced enzyme technology and projects within biochemical processing.

Subject description

The subject includes experimental and theoretical studies based on a technical and scientific foundation, utilizing biotechnological methods to address issues relevant to the food industry as well as systemic aspects of food production and consumption in society. Biotechnology is of key importance for the transition to a sustainable society. Biotechnology research develops and exploits microorganisms or components of microorganisms to attain useful technological goals with environmentally sustainable methods. For further information, see the general syllabus for doctoral studies in Biotechnology.

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

In the position, you as a doctoral student is involved in FORCE and affiliated with the LiFT graduate school. The position includes close collaboration with the project's industrial partners, as well as active participation in the center's activities.

You will also be located a minimum of 20% in the food industry, with placement at the company Lantmännen.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Optimization of wholegrain content in wheat based products
• Development of product formulation and process technologies for future foods 
• Development of novel bread and bakery products with improved characteristics
• Evaluation of different processing technologies and possibilities to scale-up
• Advanced analysis (e.g. via HPLC, GC and mass spectrometry)
• Communication with national stakeholders in the food industry

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 in the subject (bioscience), of which at least 15 credits from the second cycle and a specialized 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

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

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:

• Good knowledge of Swedish, or other Scandinavian languages, both spoken and written, as communication with partners is conducted in Swedish.
• Experience in industrial collaboration
• Pedagogic experience
• Experimental experience in work with bread, baking and cereals
• Strong ability to write scientific literature
• Theoretical and practical experience of enzyme technology and bioprocess technology 
• Experience of advanced chemical analysis
• Experience of food processes in semi-pilot or pilot scale
• Good knowledge and practical experience of basic and advanced food analysis

We are looking for you with a good ability to work in a structured and independent manner. You are comfortable interacting with different professions in both academia and the food industry. Consideration will be given to good collaborative abilities, dedication and how you, through experience and skills, are 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 with us.  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 with your application!

Type of employment

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