Doctoral student in Biotechnology with focus in enzymology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Biotechnology is of central importance for the transition to a sustainable society. In the postgraduate subject biotechnology, microorganisms or components thereof are developed and utilized to achieve technically useful goals with environmentally sustainable methods. The postgraduate subject focuses on: i) Microbial and enzymatic methods for creating chemicals, materials and energy carriers from renewable raw materials. ii) Increased resource utilization in biorefineries through the use / development of biotechnological methods / tools, iii) development of efficient micro-organisms and enzymes via molecular biological and enzyme-based methods for catalysts for these processes; (v) isolation and utilization of micro-organisms and enzymes from extreme environments; The research includes studies of a basic nature as well as pure applications in the field.

The research will be carried out within the Horizon2020 project EnXylascope (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101000831). The work will mainly be carried out at the Division of Biotechnology at the Department of  Chemistry, Lund University, in collaboration with the partners in the project.

Work duties
This project within Enxylascope will focus on the bioinformatic identification, cloning, production and characterization of novel xylan modifying enzymes. The production systems will mainly encompass E. coli and P. pastoris. Purification systms include ion exchange chromatography and size exclusion chromatography. Activity analysis will e.g. include spectrophotometry, HPAEC-PAD, HPLC and mass spectrometry.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. Participation in the division’s teaching is another important task. This and other departmental work should occupy a maximum of 20% of working hours.

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 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.

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:

• Theoretical and practical experience of enzyme technology and bioprocess technology is a merit.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

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 §§.

Instructions on 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.).

You are also asked to answer the job specific questions.