PhD in cell factory engineering and production of aromatic biochemicals

We are looking for a PhD student to work within a project that aims to develop fungal cell factory platforms for high-value, aromatic chemicals production. The focus is on development of novel production strains using high throughput  methodologies for strain development and analysis. Both yeast and filamentous fungi will be used as cell factories. This position is placed at the Division of Industrial Biotechnology within the Department of Biology and Biological Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology. 

Information about the research group and the division
The Industrial Biotechnology group is a dynamic and international group of researchers established in 2008 and counts now around 45 members. The common denominator of the research activities in the group is to develop solutions for optimizing the use of renewable raw materials within the main concept of biorefinery. The research performed within the group spans from fundamental research, technology development to lab-scale application: this ensures deep knowledge of the studied systems, leading to rational development and optimization of the respective applications. The research fields include production of different biocommodities (biofuels, biochemicals or proteins) via fermentation and enzymatic refining of biomass as well as bioelectrochemical systems. The division engages in extensive collaborative projects across universities and industry both nationally across Sweden and internationally. 

Information about the department
The  Department of Biology and Biological engineering was founded in 2015, and aims to be a leading center of innovation by combining the latest research in life sciences with biochemistry. The department consists of four divisions, each conducting outstanding research in the areas of industrial biotechnology, systems biology, chemical biology and food science. The overall goal is to help build a sustainable society and improve human health. Nearly 200 people from 20 countries are currently engaged in roles within the department. The working environment is characterized by creativity, job satisfaction, cooperation and responsibility.

Major responsibilities
Your main task as a PhD student will be to work with molecular biology for constructing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Aspergillus niger strains for production of aromatic biochemicals. The developed cell factories will be improved and analyzed using synthetic biology technologies such as biosensors and high-throughput laboratory evolution. Work includes genome editing, molecular biology, strain characterization and screening as well as some bioinformatics and bioprosess optimization. The strains will be improved through a combination of classical strain development (e.g. mutagenesis and adaptive laboratory evolution), intensive screening and state-of-the-art synthetic biology.

Apart from the scientific objective your are expected to:
- take part in group responsibilities such as group meetings, literature presentations and floor duty
- take PhD student courses (60 ETCS is mandatory to obtain a PhD)
- present research at scientific meetings
- take part in teaching activities such as course lab duty or supervision of BSc and MSc students.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Biotechnology/Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Synthetic, Systems or Molecular Biology, Microbiology or other related disciplines. In order to be suitable for the position you need knowledge on molecular biology and some lab practice but most of all you need to have a curious mind and interest in conducting PhD studies. Previous experience in working with yeast or filamentous fungi or high-throughput screening and big data analysis is a strong merit.

Most importantly, you are self-motivated, enthusiastic and creative. To be successful in this position, you need to be well-organized and able to drive and conclude projects independently, take own initiatives, discuss/develop own ideas and enjoy solving problems. The project is in collaboration with other researchers and thus excellent cooperation and social abilities are desired.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 4 years. There will be 0-2 PhD students and 0-2 postdocs hired for the project that is funded by the NovoNordisk foundation.

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.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10719&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: August 7, 2022

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 


   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!