Project Assistant in Molecular Biotechnology (PA2024/1395)

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. We also have a flexitime agreement that creates favourable conditions for work-life balance.

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

Research work within the Mistra research program STEPS (Sustainable Plastics and Transition Pathways) and the EU-Horizon 2020 project UPLIFT (Sustainable plastics for the food and drink packaging industry). The research includes the modification and development of microorganisms and enzymes through genetic engineering and protein engineering for production of carbon-neutral building blocks used in polymer synthesis and for the degradation of plastics, as well as evaluation of the developed microorganisms and enzymes in the target processes.

• Production of gene constructs using various genetic engineering techniques
• Production and optimization of enzyme expression in different hosts
• Run microbial and enzymatic reactions to prepare samples for project partner evaluation
• Validation of results, preparation of reports, participation in meetings with project partners and preparation of oral presentations

• Master’s degree in biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology or equivalent.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge in molecular biology and cloning techniques and methods, bioinformatics, microbiology and microbial cultivations, protein production, enzyme assay development and characterization, analytical techniques like chromatography and electrophoresis.
• Consideration will be given to good ability in planning and performing experiments, collaborating with other researchers and students, 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 field is of merit.
• Some theoretical and practical knowledge in protein engineering will be of merit.
• 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 six months at 100 per cent of full time and starting on 15 July 2024 or per agreement. 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!