Project assistant in Biotechnology with focus on biogas production (PA2021/2506)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has around 44 000 students and more than 8 000 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

LTH forms the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University, with approximately 9 000 students. The research carried out at LTH is of a high international standard and we are continuously developing our teaching methods and adapting our courses to current needs.

Subject description
Biotechnology is an area of central significance for the transition to a sustainable society. In this research discipline, microorganisms or their components are developed and utilized using environmentally sustainable methods to achieve technical products and services. The researcher position is placed at the Department of Chemistry, Division of Biotechnology, which conducts research and education at undergraduate and graduate level within various branches of biotechnology. The specific research areas being pursued are industrial biotechnology, environmental biotechnology and biotechnology for health, involving both fundamental and applied aspects. Environmental biotechnology involves the use of microorganisms and or enzymes to solve old/ongoing problems and prevent future problems. This includes, taking care of sewage and developing environmentally friendly technologies and methods for future production of chemicals and energy carriers. Specifically, this employment aims at research on microbial production of biogas.

Work duties

• Perform research tasks in the Swedish energy agency financed project 51445-1 “Increased biogas production through industrial symbiosis – co-digestion of steam pretreated straw and sewage sludge”.
• Perform operation, surveillance and control of continuous biogas processes.
• Present the results in a report and oral presentations.
• Contribute in preparation of a manuscript for submission to a peer reviewed scientific journal.
• Instruct others in operation and control of biogas reactors and instrument handling.
• Assist in laboratory work and exercises for undergraduate students in Biotechnology at LTH, if needed.

Qualification requirements
Applicant must have:

• At least four years of studies at programmes of Biotechnology or ecosystem engineering, or equivalent.
• Documented theoretical knowledge about anaerobic digestion and documented practical experience in operation of biogas reactors for at least 2 weeks.
• Passed course in Environmental Biotechnology, at least 7.5 ECTS.
• Documented skills and persistence during longer practical projects in laboratory, at least 7 weeks.
• Sense of responsibility for performing the measurements needed at the right time and for reporting results.
• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good communication abilities and collaborative skills.

Other merits
Consideration will also be given to other education and experience in subjects related to the subject of the project, interest in the subjects, interest in research, responsibility, logical ability, curiosity, eyes for details, skills in writing, skills in literature review and self-motivation.

We will place great emphasis on personal suitability. Consideration will also be given to how the applicant´s experience and skills complement and strengthen the work within the department, as well as contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

Temporary employment of 100%, from 2021-09-01 until 2021-12-15.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV,
• course certificates and grades from university studies and any diplomas
• a letter describing why you are interested in the position and how your merits match the position,
• at least one reference letter supporting the non-educational requirements of the position, including contact details given for further reference.