PhD position in biogas production with focus on process biology

Research at the department of molecular sciences: 
The Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU, Uppsala approximately 110 employees and together with two other departments forms an inspiring research environment at the BioCenter at the Ultuna campus in Uppsala. Here you will find expertise in plant biology, mycology, plant pathology, microbiology, food science, calculation-based genetics, chemistry and biotechnology and competitive infrastructure such as plant-growing facilities, advanced microscopy and molecular biology, x-ray and NMR. The department conducts research, teaching and environmental monitoring in the field of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry, biochemistry, natural product chemistry, food science and microbiology. Visit us at https://www.slu.se/en/departments/molecular-sciences/ 

Description:
We are looking for two PhD students in the field of biogas production. Today, the biogas process represents a valuable tool for achieving several different social benefits and environmental goals. Through a biogas process it is possible to treat various wastes, close nutrient cycles and produce renewable energy and a nutrient-rich fertilizer. The process is relatively well established in Sweden and in Europe, but today there is a strong expansion in the area due to its importance in the work towards a fossil-free society. The focus of the doctoral projects represents two areas that have been identified as critical to reach Sweden's biogas potential; 1. Biogas production from agricultural residues; 2. Synergy effects between wind/solar power and biogas production (methanisation from hydrogen). The projects include operation and evaluation of different types of biogas processes with a focus on process biology. The evaluation of the processes will take place with various chemical and microbiological methods, including molecular analyses. The overall goal is to understand the connection between selected operating parameters and the function and efficiency of the biogas process.

The position is linked to a national, transdisciplinary center of excellence called the Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC). In the center, co-production of new and relevant knowledge takes place through collaboration between different scientific disciplines, and between researchers and practitioners from industry and public organisations. BSRC includes researchers and support from two universities, Linköping University and SLU, approximately 50 private and public organizations, and has additional support from the Swedish Energy Agency. The PhD positions within BSRC are to promote the co-production of knowledge between academia, industry and public organizations and have the goal of securing a long-term competence supply within industry and academia.

The project will be run within the group for Microbial Biotechnology led by Professor Anna Schnürer. Anyone who is employed as a doctoral student must primarily devote himself to his doctoral education. A doctoral student may, however, work to a limited extent with education, research, and administration. Such work, before the doctoral degree has been completed, may not comprise more than 20 percent of full-time work.

Qualifications:
Applicants should have an agronomist or master degree in biology / biotechnology. Documented experience/knowledge in biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, and the biogas process is an advantage. Good knowledge in reading scientific English and in expressing yourself in English in both speech and writing is a requirement. You should have the ability to communicate and work with others.

A person has basic eligibility for third cycle education if he or she has taken a second cycle qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second cycle education. Upper secondary school grades equivalent to English B/English 6 are a basic requirement.

Placement:
Uppsala

Form of employment:
Employment as a PhD student

Extent:
Fulltime

Starting date:
Latest March 2023

Application:
You are welcome with your application no later than 2022-12-09

The application must contain a CV, a short letter of motivation showing the applicants suitability and interest for the position. The application must also include copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and contact information for at least two reference persons. Certified knowledge of the English language should also be submitted and if the applicant is a foreign citizen we require a certified copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and phograghy.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/postgraduate-studies/

Fackliga kontaktpersoner:
https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/

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