Postdoc position in biochemical conversion of forestry residues

In the forestry sector, huge amounts of so-called side streams of low value are continuously produced. In this postdoc project, the aim is to investigate alternative and sustainable utilization approaches of both tree bark and process sludge using a similar pipeline of combined chemical and biochemical treatments and conversion to biofuels or other products. The project has both fundamental and applied aspects, and will give experience in a wide range of complementary techniques.

Tree bark represents over 10% of the harvest volume but is typically discarded or burnt today, despite containing typical wood polymers and a large fraction of interesting extractive compounds. Similarly, huge amounts of process sludge are produced yearly in the forestry sector, but a large proportion of these are discarded in landfills, which creates environmental problems. Development of methods to convert both of these renewable resources into energy or useful materials would improve the sustainability of the forestry industry, and could lead to large-scale alternatives to fossil-based products. In this project, which is funded by the Energy Area of Advance at Chalmers, we will investigate conversion of both bark and forestry sludge using enzymatic treatments with lignocellulose-degrading cocktails, chemical treatments, and fermentation trials. The overall goals are to develop new methods to either better recycle the materials or convert them into novel products. The materials will be obtained from Swedish pulp- and papermills. The project is a collaboration between research groups at the Department of Life Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, as well as a research group at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm.

Information about the division and the department
The project will mainly be carried out at the Division of Industrial Biotechnology in Associate Professor Johan Larsbrink's research group. Other involved principal investigators are Assoc. Prof. Cecilia Geijer from IndBio, Assoc. Prof. Merima Hasani from Forest Products and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers, and Lauren McKee at the division of Glycoscience, KTH. 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 postdoctoral fellow, you are expected to take a major responsibility in developing the project together with your advisors, including planning, performing experiments, critically analyzing your results, and writing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. The laboratory work will include biochemical assays, chemical pretreatments, analysis of reaction products, and fermentation. You will be expected to communicate your results in different settings, from meetings with advisors and collaborators, to presentations at the research division and at international conferences.

There will be opportunities to supervise undergraduate and PhD students, participate in teaching, and to develop general "soft" skills, depending on your interest and future plans. At the Division level, you will take part in the general maintenance of instruments.

Qualifications
We are looking for a motivated postdoc with a background (PhD) in biochemistry/enzyme technology, chemical engineering relevant to lignocellulose-based processes, analytics, or microbiology and fermentation. No candidate is expected to have experience in all of these areas, but the research group and IndBio have solid collaborative networks and there will be opportunities to learn new skills throughout the project.
Demonstrated experience in working in international teams is meritorious.

To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). Exceptions from the 3-year limit can be made for longer periods resulting from parental leave, sick leave or military service*.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

* The date shown in your doctoral degree certificate is the date we use, as this is the date you have met all requirements for the doctoral degree.

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 20240402 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 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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