Postdoc position in industrial biotechnology and environmental systems analysis At the Department of Life Sciences (LIFE)

 Postdoc position in industrial biotechnology and environmental systems analysis

Ref REF 2023-0258

Information about the division and the department

At the Department of Life Sciences (LIFE), we conduct research, innovation and education to enable a biobased society and improve human health. Our topics cover both basic and applied aspects of life sciences in the areas of systems biology, chemical biology, industrial biology and biotechnology and food and nutrition science.

The Division of Industrial Biotechnology at LIFE is a dynamic, diverse and international group of about 35 researchers in various stages of their careers. We discover, engineer and apply microorganisms and enzymes for biotechnical production. The common denominator for our research activities is to optimize the use of renewable raw materials for the sustainable production of fuels, chemicals, materials and other products. The research spans from fundamental research to technology development and lab-scale application. This leads to deep knowledge of the studied systems and enables rational development and optimization of their respective applications.

The project is also linked to the division of Environmental Systems Analysis (ESA) at the department of Technology Management and Economics. ESA conducts research to find more sustainable technology solutions and to find ways to transform technological systems to better meet the environmental and resource constraints faced by society. The division’s work requires cross-disciplinary efforts, and has a long engagement in life cycle assessment, risk assessment and various environmental flow methods.

Project description

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc to join a transdisciplinary project group and work on a two-year project on development of a biobased chemical and biofuel production process. Because of the industrial collaboration in the project, there is great potential to see rapid industrial implementation of the results of our research in a Nordic biorefinery.

The project is a collaboration between two Chalmers divisions and two industrial partners. The actual project work includes both applied microbiology studies in the laboratory at Industrial Biotechnology, and modelling work, using life cycle assessment and technoeconomic analysis, at Environmental Systems Analysis. The project is funded by the Chalmers Area of Advance Energy.

The post doc will perform yeast cultivation experiments in high throughput cultivation platforms and in high performance bioreactors. This also involves quantitative analysis of yeast growth, of bioethanol fermentation, and of inhibitory effects of the raw material. The ethanol will be sent to our industrial collaborator for further upgrading to higher value biofuels and chemicals. The acquired experimental results will then be used for thorough techno-economic and life cycle assessments of a potential future industrial implementation of the new value chain.

Major responsibilities

The major responsibility as a postdoc will be to pursue research within the scope of the project. You will be expected to develop your own scientific concepts, to write project reports and scientific manuscripts and to share your research results both in presentations at the division/department and at international conferences. A postdoc position at our divisions also includes supervision of Bachelor and/or Master students as well as taking responsibility for side tasks such as keeping the lab and instruments in good condition.

Qualifications

The candidate must hold a doctoral degree, generally not older than three years, in the fields of biotechnology, bioengineering, applied microbiology, chemical engineering, or similar. Experience in bioreactor cultivations of microorganisms or cell culture is required. Hands-on experience in 2nd generation lignocellulosic bioprocesses, quantitative analysis of bioprocesses, analytical techniques (e.g. HPLC), technoeconomic analysis and life cycle assessment are highly qualifying merits. Knowledge of Python or general programming skills are a merit as well.

The successful candidate has a good academic track record and has published several first authored papers in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals. Important personal qualities are enthusiasm, to be able to drive, summarize and conclude projects independently, take own initiatives and discuss/develop own ideas, be creative and have problem-solving ability. The project will be carried out in collaboration with other researchers, students, and industrial project partners, thus cooperation and social abilities are important. The candidate must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Contract terms

This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

We offer

Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 

Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure

The application should be marked with Ref 20230267 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:

• CV, include complete list of publications

• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences

• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)

1-3 pages where you:

• Introduce yourself

• Describe your previous research fields and main research results

• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:

• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: [2023-05-20]

 

For questions, please contact:

Carl Johan Franzén, Industrial biotechnology, LIFE,

franzen@chalmers.se, +4631 772 3808

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

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