PhD student positions in Biochemistry and Microbiology

Everybody knows what tree bark is, but very little is known regarding its degradation in nature. In this project, you will be able to break new ground on microbial bark degradation, from mapping which species are driving this process to identifying and characterizing the enzymes they produce. We are looking for two PhD students that together can work on this topic in a larger team together with postdocs and international collaborators.

Project description
Tree bark is a renewable resource that is produced in huge amounts every year, but it is poorly used today. It contains regular wood polymers, such as cellulose and lignin, but also a large fraction of so-called extractive compounds that make it unsuitable for regular pulping processes. The extractives also have interesting roles as major defensive molecules protecting the tree from external threats, but still there is very little information on how bark and its extractives are broken down in nature.

In this project, which is part of a larger project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, we will broadly investigate microbial bark degradation and aim to develop knowledge as well as new biotechnological methods to better valorize it. We will target both Nordic tree bark types and more tropical species.
The project will involve microbiology, various (meta-)omics analyses, molecular biology to clone and heterologously express genes of interest in either bacteria or yeast, protein production and purification, and detailed biochemical characterization of identified enzymes, including determination of substrate specificities and kinetics. Additionally, various chemical analyses will be important to understand what happens to the material or individual molecules during microbial or enzymatic treatments.

We expect to recruit 2 PhD students and 1 postdoc to the larger project.
A collaborative mindset will be instrumental and expected from all team members, though each person will be able to pursue or drive more individual projects.

Information about the division and the department
The project will mainly be carried out at the Division of Industrial Biotechnology with Associate Professor Johan Larsbrink as the main supervisor, and with Assoc. Prof. Merima Hasani from Forest Products and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers, as co-supervisor. IndBio is an interdisciplinary and highly international group of researchers which consists of around 45 members and >20 nationalities. The research in the division revolves around microbiology and fermentation, enzymology, and molecular biology, with a general focus of using renewable raw materials for the sustainable production of fuels, chemicals and materials. In addition to independent research, being a part of IndBio also includes taking part in weekly division meetings, research group meetings, and various social activities such as a yearly division retreat. A large variety of scientific instruments are available in our shared laboratory facilities, and in addition several core facilities are available at the university and its close vicinity. The Department of Life Sciences includes three additional research divisions which provide additional expertise and equipment.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student, you will be responsible for the daily management of your research project, including planning, performing experiments and critically analyzing your results. The laboratory work includes microbial cultivations, cloning, protein production and purification, enzymology, and chemical/material analyses. You will be expected to communicate your results in different settings, from meetings with supervisors and collaborators, to presentations at the research division and at international conferences. Additionally, you will be expected to develop your scientific writing skills by authoring articles for publication in scientific journals.

You will also be expected to teach on Chalmers' undergraduate level courses or performing other departmental duties, up to 20% of working hours, and attend courses both in subjects directly related to your research and in general "soft" skills such as project management, teaching, and writing. At the Division level, you will take part in the general maintenance of instruments and will have the opportunity to supervise MSc and BSc students.

Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Qualifications
To be enrolled as a PhD student at Chalmers, you must hold a Master of Science (MSc) degree or equivalent, consisting of at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field (Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or similar). Basic microbiological/biochemical/chemical laboratory experience and fluency in verbal and written English are mandatory.

Demonstrated skills in molecular biology, microbiology and microbiological cultivation techniques, protein production and purification, enzymology, and/or analytics are meritorious.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five 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 reference number 20240382 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: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• 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 and motivate why you apply for this position
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

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

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 2024-08-08

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor, Johan Larsbrink, Industrial Biotechnology,
johan.larsbrink@chalmers.se

*** 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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Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
 

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