PhD in Chemistry with specialization in Microbial Chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 250 employees and has a turnover of 250 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering and civil engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website.

Subject description/research project: As a graduate student in Microbial Chemistry, you will be part of a research group that has the long-term goal of using advanced genetic engineering to develop photosynthetic microorganisms converting solar energy and atmospheric carbon dioxide into chemicals and fuels in direct processes. The model system is cyanobacteria. In this EU-funded research project, Promicon: Harnessing the power of nature through productive microbial consortia in biotechnology – Measure, model and master, the focus in the part done at Uppsala University is to optimize synthetic microbial consortia (consisting of a cyanobacterium and one or two additional bacteria) for generation of butanol from CO2 and sunlight. Butanol production will be demonstrated in photosynthetically driven synthetic microbial consortia grown in capillary (photo)biofilm reactors.

Work duties: Independently and in cooperation with both other members of the Microbial chemistry research group and the European partners in Promicon use and engineer cyanobacteria and bacteria generating, in direct processes, butanol. Establish and optimize symbiotic consortia of several engineered bacteria with an aim of maximal butanol production. Use the best performing synthetic consortia in capillary (photo)biofilm reactors to demonstrate sustainable butanol production.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20 %).

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Requirements:

• Degree or equivalent as above in molecular microbiology, applied biotechnology, biochemistry, microbial biotechnology or similar.
• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience of growing and characterizing modified cyanobacteria produce and excreting a selected product under defined environmental conditions.
• Knowledge of engineering and analyzing obtained modified bacteria.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Additional requirements:

• Interested in working both independent and in collaboration with students and researchers in above detailed project.

Terms of employment: The rules about PhD students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§1-7 and the university's rules and guidelines.

Application procedure: The application should include a statement of research interest, CV, certificates of exams, degrees and grades, a copy of Master thesis, published article or relevant materials, if available. Also, contact information of at least two reference persons should be included.

Salary: According to local agreement (Local collective agreement for doctoral students and students).

Starting date: 2021-06-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Professor Peter Lindblad, phone number: +46 70 425 0498, email: peter.lindblad@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by 19 May 2021, UFV-PA 2021/1744.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.