Doctoral student in biology with specialisation in biotechnology

Department of Molecular Sciences
A position as a PhD student in biotechnology is declared vacant at the Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU, Uppsala. The department consists of about 110 employees and together with two other departments forms an inspiring research environment at the BioCenter on campus Ultuna in Uppsala. There is expertise in plant biology, mycology, plant pathology, microbiology, food science, computational genomics, chemistry and biotechnology and infrastructure such as plant cultivation facilities, advanced microscopy and molecular biology, X-ray, mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The department conducts research, teaching and environmental monitoring in the areas of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry, biochemistry, natural product chemistry, food science and microbiology. Research projects are for instance conducted in enzymatic degradation of forest raw materials, production of fish feed from yeast fungi, programmed cell death in plants and biogas production. Visit us at https://www.slu.se/en/departments/molecular-sciences/.

Exploring redox enzymes for optimized biomass conversion
Description:
Do you want to work in a project that aims to replace fossil sources with forest raw materials for the production of fuels and materials? Are you interested in immersing yourself at the atomic level in molecular interactions with advanced analytical instruments? Do you want to work with a whole group of researchers who share these interests? If so, this may be a doctoral position for you.

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMO) are a type of enzymes found in bacteria and fungi that can feed on wood, such as white-rot fungi. These enzymes have been shown to degrade lignocellulose, which is the main component of forest raw materials, in a more efficient way than other enzymes that we currently use for the same purpose. Degrading lignocellulose enzymatically is a major challenge, but LPMO does this by oxidation instead of hydrolysis, which is otherwise the most common way for enzymes that degrade lignocellulose. In the next step, the enzymatically degraded lignocellulose can be purified to different small molecules useful for microbial production of biofuels or the production of biomaterials. In order to use LPMO on a large scale for the degradation of lignocellulose, we need to understand better how these enzymes work, which types of LPMO are most useful and on what type of substrates they are active. In this project, a number of different LPMO will be investigated for activity, binding of substrates and reaction mechanisms. Most of the analysis work will take place with NMR spectroscopy and method development for NMR spectroscopy will be included as well.

You will be part of a research group conducting research in biotechnology with a strong focus on structural analysis of enzymes using X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, as well as the development of new methods for studying interactions between proteins and carbohydrates with NMR spectroscopy. The position also includes teaching up to 20% of the time.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who has a Master's degree in an area relevant to the position, for example in biotechnology, chemistry, molecular biology, or equivalent. Specialisation in biochemistry or organic chemistry with experience of laboratory activities are valuable merits, as are experience in NMR spectroscopy and/or the expression and purification of proteins. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as collaborative skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work independently. Good knowledge of English (in both speech and writing) is required.

Place of work:      
Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years)

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
According to agreement.

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2022-02-28.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se