Project assistant at the Division of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology

Description of the workplace

The position is placed at the Division of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Process & Life Science Engineering, Lund University in Lund, which conducts research and education at undergraduate and graduate level within various branches of biotechnology. The Division runs several multidisciplinary projects in collaboration with industrial partners, involving the development of processes for transformation of renewable resources into chemical building blocks for sustainable chemicals, fuels and plastics suited for circular economy. Development of bio-based chemicals and fuels is an important area where collaboration between biotechnology, organic- and analytical chemistry is crucial.

Work duties

As a project assistant, you will have responsibility for the synthesis and characterization of chemicals and fuels from bioresources by chemical- and bio-catalysis within the collaboration research project. The research involves various catalysis to produce biobased chemicals and fuels from bioresources.

The duties includes:

• Laboratory work on, screening and optimization of reaction conditions in chemical- and bio-catalysis, separation and purification of products, analysis of products, data analysis, preparation of samples for evaluation and scaling up test and techno-economy evaluation.
• Take an active role in collaboration with other parties in the project.
• Preparation of a report and assist in writing of a manuscript for publication.
• Oral presentations in the research group and for collaborating partners in the projects.
  
  

Qualification requirements

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree or Master’s degree candidate in green chemistry, biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge and background in organic synthesis, functionalization and (bio)transformation of chemicals, chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis, and physico-chemical characterization, shown in scientific publications.
• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Highly motivated and strong ability to conduct research independently but also as part of a research group.

Other merits:

• Practical experience on chemical reactions by catalysis, and analyses by chromatography and spectroscopy such as HPLC, GC, NMR and FT-IR.
• Good knowledge on green chemistry and biotechnology
• Knowledge of performing risk analysis.
• Excellent communication skills through oral presentations and written reports.

Consideration will be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, as well as how the applicant's experience and expertise are assessed to provide the necessary skills for the research project.

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. 

Further information

The position is a fixed term position for 9 months, at 100 per cent of full time and starting on 1 April or 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 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!