Project Assistant in Biocatalysis (PA2024/1397)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

The position is placed at the Division of Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, located in the Center for Chemistry & Chemical Engineering in Lund (www.biotek.lu.se ), which conducts research and education at undergraduate and graduate level within various branches of biotechnology. The Division is highly international and strives to maintain gender balance. Most of our research deals with development of environment-friendly tools and processes based on biotechnology and green chemistry to achieve technical products and services.

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

Division of Biotechnology offers a workplace where one is exposed to state-of-the-art research in biotechnology and green chemistry, and collaboration with industry for making sustainable chemicals and materials. 

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University .

Research within a Swedish Energy Agency project “Sustainable biobased furan platform for the low carbon industry”. The work involves experimental assistance in research on: 

• Selection and development of enzymes and microbial biocatalysts for processing biomass and oxidation of furans, respectively.
• Separation and recovery of product components.
• Assist in scaling up of a bioprocess and performing preliminary techno-economic analysis.
• Optimization of process conditions for maximizing product yield and productivity.
• Preparation of reports, participate in meetings with the project partners, make oral presentations.

• A master’s degree in biotechnology or equivalent.
• Theoretical knowledge in enzyme and bioprocess technology, practical knowledge in microbiology techniques, microbial cultivations, gene cloning and expression, enzyme activity measurements, chromatographic purification and analytical techniques and use of bioinformatic tools.
• Knowledge of softwares like Aspen or SuperPro designer for assisting with techno-economic assessments.
• Consideration will be given to good ability in planning and performing experiments, collaborating with other researchers and students in the research group, and how the applicant, through his/her experience and competence, is judged to have the ability needed for the research project.

• Some research experience in related fields is of merit.
• Experience of pilot scale microbial cultivation.
• Good ability for written and oral communication in English, and to communicate with researchers from different fields.
• Ability to perform critical review of literature.

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. 

The position is for 8 months at 100 per cent of full time and starting on 15 June 2024.
Selection of candidates fulfilling the basic requirements will be done through interviews at our premises in Lund or online via zoom. 

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 with your application!