Description of the workplace

You will work in the research group Food Hygiene, which has a strong profile in microbiology, food safety, and biological approaches to improving quality and shelf life within the food chain. The group develops advanced methods to identify bacterial communities, understand microbial interactions, and create biological solutions based on naturally occurring microorganisms.

The project is conducted in close collaboration with the Department of Design Sciences at LTH, as well as growers in Sweden and Denmark, a producer organisation, an innovation company, and the retail sector. It combines laboratory-based research with large-scale trials in real production environments to develop globally applicable solutions that reduce food waste and enhance shelf life.

Subject description

Fruit and vegetables account for a large proportion of food waste in both households and the retail sector, and current methods for extending shelf life have been shown to be insufficient. Microbial contamination from harvest to consumption can lead to quality deterioration, spoilage, consumer risks, and substantial product losses.

This project aims to develop and evaluate the use of naturally occurring, health-promoting bacteria to strengthen and stabilize the microbial ecosystem on fresh vegetables. We will investigate whether postharvest application of bacteria can create a more resilient microbial environment that inhibits spoilage, preserves quality, extends shelf life, and contributes to safe products. The project also includes the assessment of flavor and other sensory attributes.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

The research tasks include the optimization of cultivation processes and freeze-drying formulations for health-promoting bacterial strains, as well as the evaluation of application methods and concentrations for postharvest treatments. The work further involves microbiological methods to identify how the treatments affect microbial diversity and ecosystem dynamics during shelf life. The position involves close collaboration with growers in southern Sweden and Denmark, as well as with industry partners, and may include travel to trial sites. Access to a car is available.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Research within the subject area.
• Teaching in the first and second cycles of studies.
• Supervision of degree projects.
• Actively seeking external research funding.
• Collaboration with industry and wider society.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• A doctoral degree or equivalent in Food Hygiene, Food Microbiology, or Agriculture with a microbial specialisation.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience in writing and publishing scientific articles.
• Experience in independently planning and conducting experiments relevant to the subject area.
• Excellent knowledge of and practical experience with basic microbiological techniques (e.g., cultivation, isolation and PCR-based identification methods).
• Documented experience with Next Generation Sequencing and associated bioinformatics.

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Other qualifications:

• Experience with flow cytometry.
• Experience with qPCR.
• Practical experience with Sanger sequencing.
• Experience with freeze-drying of bacterial cultures.
• Experience with food packaging from a microbiological and hygienic perspective.
• Experience with industry collaboration or industry-related research projects.
• Proficiency in spoken and written Swedish (the position involves contact with Swedish authorities and teaching in Swedish).
• Teaching experience.
• A valid driver’s license (category B).

We will place great emphasis on personal suitability. Consideration will be given to commitment, independence, and strong communication and collaboration skills, both within the project group and in interactions with external partners.

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.

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 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should be written in English and must include a CV and a publication list, as well as a personal letter explaining 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 to apply!