Project assistant position at the Department of Process & Life Science Engineering

Lund University

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

The Department of Process and Life Science Engineering (PLE) at Lund University is located at Kemicentrum, one of the Nordics’ largest centers for education and research in the field of chemistry. PLE has around 150 employees, of which around 65 are PhD students. The department offers a broad competence in areas such as chemical engineering, food technology, biotechnology and technical microbiology. The research and education at PLE spans the entire subject of chemistry and includes both undergraduate and graduate education. The Department of Process Engineering and Applied Biosciences (PLE) at Lund University works actively to ensure a good working environment through several initiatives and routines. PLE encourages open communication and collaboration between employees, students and management to continuously improve and have regular meetings and dialogues to discuss workplace safety.

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 a research project, STAR, and involves active participation in biomass fractionation, development of a biocatalyst, as well as a lab-scale bioprocess for the synthesis of building blocks for renewable and recyclable plastics, process optimization, and data collection for techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment.

The duties include:

• Laboratory work regarding:
  • In silicomodeling, gene cloning, and protein expression
  • Protein engineering to analyze enzymatic activity mechanisms
  • Optimization of reaction conditions
• 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 and bioprocess technology, including an understanding of enzymatic mechanisms and their application in biocatalysis.
• Practical experience in bacterial cultivation as well as analytical methods such as spectrophotometry and chromatographic techniques.
• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.

Meritorious for the employment:

• Practical experience in biocatalysts using enzymes and whole cells, biocatalyst recycling, in silico modeling, gene cloning, and protein expression. 
• Experience in performing risk analysis.
• Good cooperation skills, drive, and independence.
• Skill in planning, executing, and accurately documenting experimental workflows.
• Very good communication skills via oral presentations and written reports.
• Experience in writing scientific manuscripts.

Further information

The position is a fixed term position for 2026-08-17 until 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!