Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.
The Department of Process and Life Science Engineering (PLE) at Lund University is located at Kemicentrum, one of the Nordics' largest centers for education and research in the field of chemistry. PLE has around 150 employees, of which around 65 are PhD students. The department offers a broad competence in areas such as chemical engineering, food technology, biotechnology and applied microbiology. The research and education at PLE spans the entire subject of chemistry and includes both undergraduate and graduate education. The Department of Process Engineering and Applied Biosciences (PLE) at Lund University works actively 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 and have regular meetings and dialogues to discuss workplace safety.
Both applied and fundamental research is conducted at the division of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiologyn in the field of biotechnology, focusing on microbial physiology, precision fermentation, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, enzymes, and enzymatic processes. The purpose of the research is often linked to the development of technology to create sustainable and circular solutions for products and services with applications in the environment, analysis, food, water, agriculture, medicine, and industrial biotechnology for the production of materials, chemicals, and fuels.
The position is placed at the Division of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology at Lund University. The division conducts research and education in microbial biotechnology, with a focus on microbial metabolism, biocatalysis and development of sustainable production processes.
The division is located at the Chemical Centre, which hosts both the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Process and Life Science Engineering. This provides access to a broad range of expertise, shared infrastructure and advanced analytical and molecular biology facilities. The research environment includes several research groups working in complementary areas within chemistry and biotechnology, offering good opportunities for collaboration.
The research activities at the division include engineering and analysis of microbial systems for production of chemicals and materials of societal relevance. The present position is part of ongoing efforts to develop new microbial and enzymatic approaches for lignin valorisation.
The workplace is characterised by an international environment with close interaction between doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers and senior staff. The division promotes a collaborative and supportive work environment, with regular seminars and opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange.
As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.
As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.
More about being a doctoral student at LTH on lth.se. https://www.lth.se/english/study-at-lth/phd-studies/
Applied Microbiology concerns basic and applied research with relevance for the chemical, food, material, pharmaceutical and water sectors. The field includes microbial strain development, bioanalysis, biochemistry and fermentation technology, with particular emphasis on metabolic engineering and the use of microorganisms in industrial processes.
The project focuses on the development and analysis of bacterial systems for lignin valorisation. The work includes both physiological and molecular approaches to understand and engineer microbial conversion of lignin and lignin-derived compounds for the production of chemicals and materials.
You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral programme, which includes participation in research projects as well as third cycle courses, seminars and conferences.
The research work focuses on microbial conversion of lignin into chemicals and materials. You will work with both thermophilic and mesophilic bacteria and combine physiological characterisation with molecular biology and analytical methods.
The doctoral programme includes opportunities for travel in connection with research activities and collaborations.
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Experimental work with focus on physiological characterisation of bacteria
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Studies of microbial systems for transformation of lignin and lignin-derived compounds
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Targeted proteomics analysis of extracellular proteins
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Metabolic engineering of Pseudomonas putida
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Cultivation experiments at different scales
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Chemical analysis using techniques such as HPLC and mass spectrometry
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Collaboration with other research groups within and outside Lund University
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The duties also include participation in teaching and other departmental work (however, a maximum of 20% of working hours).
To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:
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has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
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has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
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has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in research subject if the applicant has:
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at least 30 credits in the subject (bioscience), of which at least 15 credits from the second cycle and a specialised project of at least 15 second-cycle credits in the subject, or
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an MSc in Engineering, other Master’s degree or other comparable degree including applied bioscience
In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:
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Documented knowledge of microbiology and/or microbial physiology
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Experience of laboratory work in microbiology, molecular biology or biotechnology
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Experience with cultivation of microorganisms and basic analytical techniques
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good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
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good written and oral communication skills
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good ability to cooperate
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very good knowledge of English, spoken and written
For the doctoral programme in question, the following are considered as other qualifications:
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Knowledge of metabolic engineering and microbial biotechnology
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Experience with genetic modification of bacteria
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Experience with protein analysis methods, such as proteomics or mass spectrometry
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Experience with advanced microbial cultivation techniques and bioreactor operation
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Experience with analytical methods such as HPLC or GC-MS
Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.
More about working at Lund University on lu.se. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university
Are you ready to help shape the future of research?
Learn more about why Lund University could be the right choice for you here, and more about working in Sweden here. These videos provide information about Working in Lund, Moving to Lund, and Living in Lund.
The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting as soon as possible. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.
More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University’s Staffpages. https://www.staff.lu.se/research-and-education/research-support/doctoral-education/terms-employment-doctoral-students
Applications shall be written in English and include:
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CV and a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the doctoral programme/employment and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.
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Copies of issued study certificates and/or awarded degree certificates. These must confirm that you meet the general and specific admission requirements for the doctoral programme and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral programme project.
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Other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.)
We welcome your application!
LTH is Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and work hard for the development of society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative advancements in technology, architecture and design. We have nearly 12,000 students. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 theses and 2 000 scientific findings. In addition, a number of research results and degree projects are transformed into innovations. Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.
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Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 | Ort: Lund | Län: Skåne län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: PA2026/2087 | Kontakt: Magnus Carlquist +46462229875, Magnus Carlquist +46462229875, Mia Hedin , Mia Hedin , | Facklig företrädare: SEKO: Seko Civil 046-2229366, SEKO: Seko Civil 046-2229366, OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli 046-2229362, OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli 046-2229362, SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet 046-2220000, SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet 046-2220000, | Publicerat: 2026-06-26 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-07-17
