Vacant job

Department of Natural Sciences, Design and Sustainable Development (NDH)

operates at Campus Östersund and Campus Sundsvall, where we educate and conduct research within the department's subjects with a focus on sustainable development.

The subject of chemistry

at Mid Sweden University is defined as the knowledge of the properties, structure, and reactions of chemical substances, as well as their occurrence and effects on the environment and their use to solve technical and scientific problems.

The research group conducts a large part of its research within the projects Circular Biomass 3.0 (CirBio3.0), Char-CC, CirkFerm, and Fiber2Comp. (https://www.miun.se/Forskning/forskargrupper/ekokemi/)

The project addresses Sweden's dependence on imported fertilizers, feed, and food (https://www.miun.se/Forskning/forskargrupper/ekokemi/), while energy production needs to adapt to new requirements, fossil fuels are phased out, and greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced. With support from municipalities, county administrative boards, and companies in the region, the project focuses on research within clean environments and sustainable local production of food and energy. By utilizing unwanted biomass from industry and society, the project develops sustainable processes for extracting metals and producing energy and ingredients for food and feed using plants and microorganisms such as yeast, fungi, algae, and bacteria. At the same time, the possibility of removing harmful substances such as PAH, PFAS, PCB, and heavy metals is being investigated, paving the way for local industrial production with reduced environmental impact.

Job Responsibilities

The Ecochemistry group is now seeking a postdoctoral researcher who will primarily work within the aforementioned projects. The work mainly consists of developing methods for producing bioenergy using bacteria, algae, yeast, and rot fungi through fermentation processes of by-products from the brewing industry, paper, and pulp industry, etc., but also fiber bank materials and other waste will be used. Analytical methods for characterizing by-products and products will also be included in the job responsibilities. Living microorganisms are handled within the project, which means that sterile work is an important part.

Teaching or other departmental work, with a scope of up to 20%, may be included in the job responsibilities.

Eligibility

The person to be employed as a postdoctoral researcher must be eligible according to the requirements described in this link (https://www.miun.se/medarbetare/styrdokument/ny-styrning-planering-och-uppfoljning/Personal/Anstalla-personal/?item=311447).

A doctoral degree is required in chemistry, e.g., biochemistry or analytical chemistry, or in another area suitable for the job responsibilities such as bioenergy, microbiology, or biotechnology.

Assessment Criteria

We are looking for someone with practical experience in method development for fermentation processes, preferably with bioreactors. You should be able to analyze and quantify volatile compounds such as biogas, methane, and bioalcohols using MS-GAS and GC-TCD, as well as identify and quantify organic molecules using methods such as GC-MS and LC-MS. Experience in pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials, chromatography, isolation, derivatization, and chemical analysis is advantageous. Knowledge in the analysis and quantification of sugars, proteins, amino acids, and fatty acids is particularly meritorious. We also welcome experience in sterile work, microbiology, and cultivation of fungi, algae, bacteria, or yeast. To evaluate results, you should be well acquainted with statistical methods relevant to the research area.

Personal Qualities

In addition to relevant subject knowledge, independence, initiative, and a strong ability to plan and organize your work are valued. As a postdoctoral researcher, you are expected to be goal- and result-oriented, with a focus on delivering high-quality results. Since you will be part of a larger project, it is also important that you have excellent collaboration skills and enjoy working in a team.

Other Assessment Criteria

Applicants should have a good ability to express themselves verbally and in writing in English. Good knowledge of Swedish spoken and written is advantageous. You are expected to have solid experience working with the Office suite and statistical software.

Processing

The employment is prepared in accordance with this link (https://www.miun.se/medarbetare/styrdokument/ny-styrning-planering-och-uppfoljning/Personal/Anstalla-personal/?item=311447).

Employment and Start Date

The employment covers 100% for two years from 2025-03-01 or by agreement. The terms of employment are regulated in a fixed-term employment contract as a postdoctoral researcher.

Place of employment: Sundsvall

Information

For further information, please contact the deputy head of department Erika Wallin, email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) and phone 010 - 1428491, or professor Erik Hedenström, email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) and phone 010 – 1428729.

Application

Application documents should be in Swedish or English.

The application should include a verified CV, copies of grades, degree certificates, and any other documents you wish to refer to. References/recommendations should be stated.

Welcome with your application via our recruitment system no later than 2025-02-04.

Mid Sweden University, with campuses in both Sundsvall and Östersund, is an institution close to students, colleagues, and the surrounding community. At the same time, we are located next to the sea, forests, and mountains, which creates conditions for a fantastic quality of life. New knowledge is created here through internationally successful research and education that contributes to societal development. In this way, we contribute to a sustainable future and a better world.

As an employee at Mid Sweden University, you should be able to combine work with leisure and have a good balance in life. We offer flexible working hours, support for wellness activities, salary supplements during parental leave and illness. You also receive generous vacation days.

Welcome to a university where people meet, are inspired, and think anew.

Mid Sweden University actively works for equal opportunities and strives to take advantage of the qualities that diversity and gender equality bring to the organization. Your personal data will be processed and stored in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. We welcome inquiries from those interested in working with us but decline offers from those selling ads and recruitment services.