Doctoral student in Applied Microbiology Full-time

Doctoral Student in Applied Microbiology

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

The Department of Process and Life Science Engineering (PLE) at Lund University is located at Kemicentrum, one of the Nordics' largest centers for education and research in the field of chemistry. PLE has around 150 employees, of which around 65 are PhD students. The department offers a broad competence in areas such as chemical engineering, food technology, biotechnology and applied microbiology. The research and education at PLE spans the entire subject of chemistry and includes both undergraduate and graduate education.

The position is placed at the Division of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology at Lund University. The division conducts research and education in microbial biotechnology, with a focus on microbial metabolism, biocatalysis and development of sustainable production processes.

The division is located at the Chemical Centre, which hosts both the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Process and Life Science Engineering. This provides access to a broad range of expertise, shared infrastructure and advanced analytical and molecular biology facilities. The research environment includes several research groups working in complementary areas within chemistry and biotechnology, offering good opportunities for collaboration.

The research activities at the division include engineering and analysis of microbial systems for production of chemicals and materials of societal relevance. The present position is part of ongoing efforts to develop new microbial and enzymatic approaches for lignin valorisation.

The workplace is characterised by an international environment with close interaction between doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers and senior staff. The division promotes a collaborative and supportive work environment, with regular seminars and opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange.

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University. As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

Applied Microbiology concerns basic and applied research with relevance for the chemical, food, material, pharmaceutical and water sectors. The field includes microbial strain development, bioanalysis, biochemistry and fermentation technology, with particular emphasis on metabolic engineering and the use of microorganisms in industrial processes. The project focuses on the development and analysis of bacterial systems for lignin valorisation. The work includes both physiological and molecular approaches to understand and engineer microbial conversion of lignin and lignin-derived compounds for the production of chemicals and materials.

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral programme, which includes participation in research projects as well as third cycle courses, seminars and conferences.

The research work focuses on microbial conversion of lignin into chemicals and materials. You will work with both thermophilic and mesophilic bacteria and combine physiological characterisation with molecular biology and analytical methods.

The doctoral programme includes opportunities for travel in connection with research activities and collaborations.

The work duties include:

• Experimental work with focus on physiological characterisation of bacteria
• Studies of microbial systems for transformation of lignin and lignin-derived compounds
• Targeted proteomics analysis of extracellular proteins
• Metabolic engineering of Pseudomonas putida
• Cultivation experiments at different scales
• Chemical analysis using techniques such as HPLC and mass spectrometry
• Collaboration with other research groups within and outside Lund University
• The duties also include participation in teaching and other departmental work (however, a maximum of 20% of working hours).

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

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 research subject if the applicant has:

• at least 30 credits in the subject (bioscience), of which at least 15 credits from the second cycle and a specialised 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

In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• Documented knowledge of microbiology and/or microbial physiology
• Experience of laboratory work in microbiology, molecular biology or biotechnology
• Experience with cultivation of microorganisms and basic analytical techniques
• good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• good written and oral communication skills
• good ability to cooperate
• very good knowledge of English, spoken and written

For the doctoral programme in question, the following are considered as other qualifications:

• Knowledge of metabolic engineering and microbial biotechnology
• Experience with genetic modification of bacteria
• Experience with protein analysis methods, such as proteomics or mass spectrometry
• Experience with advanced microbial cultivation techniques and bioreactor operation
• Experience with analytical methods such as HPLC or GC-MS

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

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The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting as soon as possible. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Applications shall be written in English and include:

• CV and a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the doctoral programme/employment and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.
• Copies of issued study certificates and/or awarded degree certificates. These must confirm that you meet the general and specific admission requirements for the doctoral programme and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral programme project.
• Other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.)

We welcome your application!