Doctoral student in Biotechnology

The main field of research within The School of Engineering is Resource Recovery, which deals with recovery of resources in form of renewable energy and materials. One possible renewable energy carrier is ethanol, which is nowadays the dominating renewable fuel in the global market. The University of Borås has had world class research on conversion of lignocellulosic material to ethanol for decades, and the research group is probably world leading in the development and application of filamentous fungi (Zygomycetes) within this field. In order to develop the knowledge in this area further, we now recruit one Doctoral student.

Research for development of knowledge and technology on fermentation of agricultural residues and process streams in a first generation ethanol plant to ethanol and fungal biomass is the main subject of this position. The Doctoral student will work within the research project ?DDGS from fungi in a first/second generation ethanol factory? with specific tasks in:

a) Ethanol production from agricultural waste products and process streams from first generation ethanol processes.
b) Production of fungal biomass from agricultural waste products and process streams from first generation ethanol processes.
c) Evaluation and optimization of an integrated first and second generation ethanol process.

For acceptance to the position, a Master of Science degree in biotechnology, chemical engineering or similar fields is required. For admission to a doctoral programme, the applicant's ability to benefit from research education in the field is assessed. It is essential that the applicant has sood command of English, both spoken and written.
Previous experience in pretreatment and fermentation of lignocellulose based materials, cultivation of filamentous fungi, process optimization, feed analysis, and publication of scientific material is meriting.

Employment is under the condition that the applicant is accepted to the graduate education as Doctoral student. Selection of candidates will be based on submitted documents and personal interviews with the applicants.

Doctoral students are appointed under Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance. The study period will correspond to a maximum of four years of full-time studies. Normally, at least 80 per cent of the time of the position is reserved for research and research studies within the doctoral programme at the department. The remaining 20 per cent of the time is spent on department duties, which shall consist of teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels in relevant courses, supervision of theses, and participation in external projects and assignments and/or administration. In this manner, the doctoral studentship is extended to a total of five years.

Information regarding the project can be obtained from Prof. Mohammad Taherzadeh +46 (0)33-435 59 08 mohammad.taherzadeh@hb.se. Union representatives at University of Borås are Carina Theen for SACO, Susanne Björkdahl Ordell for Lärarförbundet and Mikael Gunnarsson for ST, who all can be reached via the University switchboard +4633-435 40 00.

The application should include a letter explaining your interest to the position, CV, references, attested copies of grades, and other relevant documents. To help track statements, the University has developed a Portfolio of Qualifications, which is available on the website under Job vacancies. The application shall be sent in two copies of documents including references.