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 technical 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.
This position is part of a research project focused on valorisation of potato side-streams into sustainable protein through solid-state fermentation, including process development, analytical characterization, and data-driven optimization. The project is conducted in collaboration with an industrial partner and contributes to the development of future sustainable food systems.
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.
You will have a central role in a research project focused on the development of sustainable protein production through solid-state fermentation (SSF) of potato side-streams using filamentous fungi.
Detailed description of the work duties, such as:
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Research within the subject area
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Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
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Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
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Actively seeking external research funding
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Collaboration with industry and wider society
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Administration related to the work duties listed above
Your main responsibilities will include:
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Planning, designing, and conducting experimental work in fermentation, including shake flask and bioreactor cultivations.
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Developing and optimizing fermentation processes, including substrate preparation and process parameter optimization.
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Bioconversion of complex food matrices into bioactive compounds.
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Development of bioreactor system and scalability of solid-state fermentation
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Performing analytical characterization of raw materials and fermented products, including bioactive compounds, protein, amino acids, carbohydrates, and metabolites using techniques such as HPLC, GC, LC-MS, and related methods.
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Contributing to scientific publications, reports, and presentations at conferences.
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Supervising Master’s and/or Bachelor’s degree projects related to the research area.
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Contributing to teaching activities (up to 20%), mainly within courses related to bioprocess technology.
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Collaborating with industrial partners and external stakeholders involved in the project.
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Assisting in grant writing and development of new research ideas.
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Performing administrative tasks related to the project and research activities.
The position may include collaboration with industry partners, participation in national and international conferences, and occasional travel.
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.
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A PhD or equivalent research qualification in Biotechnology, or a related field.
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Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
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Experience in fermentation processes, including microbial cultivation.
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Hands-on experience with bioconversion of complex food matrices into bioactive compounds.
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Hands-on experience with bioreactor systems and/or scale-up from shake flasks to controlled fermentation systems.
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Experience in analytical techniques relevant to bioprocessing and food systems.
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Experience in enzymatic transformations and analytical characterization of proteins and polysaccharides.
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Experience in data analysis and interpretation of fermentation and biochemical experiments.
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The required knowledge and experience (be concrete as that makes it more measurable)
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Personal qualities that are required such as independence, ability to collaborate or suchlike.
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The required education
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Other requirements such as a driving license, particular certification or suchlike
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.
For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:
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A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
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Teaching skills.
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Knowledge and experience that constitute additional qualifications (be concrete as that makes it more measurable).
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Expertise/personal qualities that are additional qualifications. For example, independence or ability to collaborate.
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Education that constitutes an additional qualification.
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Other forms of additional qualifications, such as a driving license, special certification or suchlike.
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Strong experience in analytical techniques HPAEC-PAD, HPLC, GC, LC-MS and AF4
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Experience with fermentation on complex substrates.
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Experience working with filamentous fungi, or lactic acid bacteria
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Knowledge of side-stream valorization, sustainable food systems, or circular bioeconomy concepts.
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Experience with downstream processing, including biomass recovery, drying, and stabilization.
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Experience in nutritional analysis of food products.
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Previous experience in working in interdisciplinary projects.
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Experience in writing grant applications and receiving funding.
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Experience in teaching and supervision of undergraduate students.
Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.
Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university
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: PA2026/1601 | Kontakt: Mia Hedin , Carl Grey +4646-2228735, Carl Grey +4646-2228735, 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: 2026-05-27 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-06-03
