Project Assistant in Biotechnology and Technical Microbiology

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading universities. There are approximately 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We unite in our effort to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of people.

Lund University welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles for all parts of our operations.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Biosciences (PLE) at Lund University is located at Kemicentrum, one of the largest centers for education and research in the field of chemistry in the Nordic countries. PLE has about 150 employees, of which approximately 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 span the entire field of chemistry and include both undergraduate and graduate education.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Biosciences (PLE) at Lund University actively works 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 the working environment. This includes regular meetings and dialogues to discuss workplace issues and find common solutions.

Workplace Description

The position is located in the Department of Biotechnology and Technical Microbiology at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Biosciences, Lund University https://www.ple.lth.se (https://www.ple.lth.se), which conducts research and education at both basic and advanced levels in various branches of biotechnology. The department runs several interdisciplinary projects in collaboration with industrial partners, involving the development of processes for converting renewable resources into chemical building blocks for sustainable chemicals, fuels, and plastics suitable for a circular economy. The development of bio-based chemicals and fuels is an important area where collaboration between biotechnology, organic, and analytical chemistry is crucial.

Job Responsibilities

As a project assistant, you will be responsible for the synthesis and characterization of chemicals and fuels from bioresources through chemical and biocatalysis within the framework of the joint research project. The research involves various catalytic methods to produce bio-based chemicals and fuels from bioresources.

The job responsibilities include:

• Laboratory work on screening and optimization of reaction conditions in chemical and biocatalysis, separation and purification of products, product analysis, data analysis, preparation of samples for evaluation, and scaling up tests and techno-economic evaluation.
• Taking an active role in collaboration with other parties in the project.
• Drafting a report and assisting in writing a manuscript for publication.
• Oral presentations in the research group and for project partners.

Qualifications

Requirements for the position are:

• Master's degree or ongoing master's education in green chemistry, biotechnology, or a related field.
• Knowledge and background in organic synthesis, functionalization and (bio)transformation of chemicals, chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis, and physical-chemical characterization, demonstrated in scientific publications.
• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Ability to conduct research-based work independently as well as part of a research group.

Desirable qualifications for the position include:

• Practical experience with chemical reactions through catalysis, and analyses using chromatography and spectroscopy such as HPLC, GC, NMR, and FT-IR.
• Good knowledge of green chemistry and biotechnology.
• Knowledge of performing risk analysis.
• Excellent communication skills through oral presentations and written reports.

Consideration will be given to good collaboration skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant's experience and competence are assessed to have the ability needed for the research project.

We Offer

Lund University is a government authority, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension. Read more on the university's website about https://www.lu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning/akademiska-befattningar-vid-lunds-universitet (https://www.lu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/att-soka-en-anstallning/akademiska-befattningar-vid-lunds-universitet)

Other

The position is a fixed-term employment for 9 months, with a workload of 100 percent full-time, starting on April 1, 2026, or by agreement.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via the university's recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter explaining your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and other documents you wish to highlight (copies of transcripts, information about references, recommendation letters, etc.).

Welcome with your application!

LTH – Lund University Faculty of Engineering – is the engineering faculty at Lund University. At LTH, we educate people, build knowledge for the future, and work hard to develop society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative development in technology, architecture, and design. Nearly 10,000 students study here. Each year, our researchers – many of whom operate in world-leading profile areas – publish about 100 dissertations and 2,000 scientific findings. A number of research results and student projects are refined into innovations. Together we explore and create – for the benefit of the world.

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