Project assistant position in development of a biocatalyst as well as a lab-scale bioprocess for the synthesis of building blocks for renewable and recyclable plastics

Description of the workplace

The position is placed at the Division of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology (BAM), Department of Process & Life Science Engineering (PLE) ), located in Kemicentrum in Lund. The Division conducts research and education at undergraduate and graduate level within various branches of biotechnology. One of the important areas is industrial biotechnology, which involves the development of biological catalysts and sustainable processes for bio-based chemicals, bioenergy and food, environmental biotechnology and biotechnology for health.

The Division is highly international and strives to maintain gender balance.

We offer

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 and Applied Microbiology offers a workplace where one is exposed to state-of-the-art research in biotechnology, and collaboration with industry for making sustainable chemicals, materials, biofuels and foods. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee 

Work duties

The employment as a project assistant refers to participation in an EU-Horizon research project, UPCYCLE, and involves active participation in the development of a biocatalyst as well as a lab-scale bioprocess for the synthesis of building blocks for renewable and recyclable plastics.

The duties include:

• Laboratory work regarding:
  • o Gene cloning using the CRISPR-Cas9 method and protein expression
  • o Adaptive evolution of microbes against furans
  • o Analyzing the biosynthetic activity of evolved microbial cells
  • o Product and data analysis
• Preparation of a manuscript for publication.
• Oral presentations within the research group and to partners in the project.

Qualifications

Requirements for the employment are that you must have:

• Obtained a master’s degree in biotechnology or another relevant subject area.
• Theoretical and practical competence in molecular biotechnology, bioinformatics, microbial processes, biocatalysis, and programming with Python/R.
• Practical experience in bacterial cultivation, genetic engineering methods, bioconversions and analytical methods such as spectrophotometry and chromatographic techniques.
• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.

Meritorious for the employment

• Practical experience with CRISPR-Cas and adaptive evolution techniques.
• Experience in analyzing gene sequences.
• Experience in performing risk analysis.
• Good cooperation skills, drive, and independence.
• Skilled in planning, executing, and accurately documenting experimental workflows.
• Very good communication skills via oral presentations and written reports.

Further information

The position is a fixed term position for 2026-08-17 – 2027-03-16 at 100 % per cent of full time.

How to apply

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!