Researcher Water Resources Engineering Microbial Community Ecology (PA2023/606)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has around 46 000 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.

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

At the Division of Water Resources Engineering, in the Department of Building and Environmental technology, research and teaching pursue the understanding of how water resides and is transported in nature and in urban systems. This includes, but is not limited to, studies on the movement of rainwater, how rain and melted snow reach rivers, flooding and systems to reduce the consequences of flooding, water flows, factors affecting water quality, and erosion along open coasts, rivers and lakes. At the division, there are around 30 employes and in total 20 PhD students.

The current position is within a group examining microbial aspects of water quality from an ecological perspective. We are an inclusive international group using DNA sequencing and other microbial characterizations to describe and understand processes in industrial water contexts. In addition to the specific nature of this researcher project, we work with microbes in drinking water, bathing water and wastewater and the molecular methods required to analyze these microbes.

You will examine microbial communities used in drinking water, bathing water and wastewater treatment processes. You will examine spatiotemporal aspects in the community composition and distribution in the context of function in these communities, including isolated strains. You will examine in detail whole genome sequences, metagenomics data and other DNA-based indictors of bacteria. You will perform these duties as part of a team of researchers including both doctoral and undergraduate students. You will contribute to preparations of scientific articles. Much of the work will be conducted in collaboration with water utilities in Sweden.

Description of the work duties:

• to support/assist the research group, research within the subject area.
• teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies (max 20%).
• supervision of degree projects.
• assist in seeking external research funding.
• collaboration with industry and wider society.
• administration related to the work duties listed above.

Required qualifications:

• A PhD microbial ecology, biotechnology, or microbiology, and must include use of bioinformatics in any context.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Basic level of oral and written proficiency in Swedish.
• Programming skills in R for metagenomic analysis and other.
• Work experience of natural and/or engineered microbial communities.

Additional requirements:

• A very good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• PhD thesis in a water engineering context.
• Experience working with industrial partners in the water engineering or treatment field.
• Skills in advanced microscopic techniques and/or flow cytometry, including data analysis.

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University .

The position is a temporary position starting from 2023-05-01 until 2025-04-30 at 90 per cent of full time.

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 to apply!