PhD student in Biochemical Process Engineering

-with special emphasis on the sustainable processing and upcycling of waste-mixed plastic blends

Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.8 billion. Today, we have 1,770 staff and 17,200 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

Do you want to develop sustainable solutions in the emerging field of upcycling of mixed plastic waste? If your answer is yes, then take the opportunity to perform your PhD research in our dynamic and international research environment. The Biochemical Process Engineering group (Biochemical Process Engineering - Luleå University of Technology (ltu.se) develops integrated and sustainable processes that combine biotechnology and chemistry to produce food, chemicals, material, pharmaceuticals and energy carriers, and is now seeking to recruit a PhD student. Our research targets several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals with a focus on solutions for a circular economy. Our research is conducted in close collaboration with national and international universities, industries, and research institutes.

Subject description
Biochemical Process Engineering focuses on the development of biochemical processes for the production and refinement of chemicals, fuels and material from biomass.

Project description
The overall aim of the PhD research project is to develop mild methods to fractionation complex mixed waste, such as post-consumer PET/polyolefin blends, into separate plastic polymer streams based on an alkaline solvolysis process by using our lab- and pilot-scale batch and continuous reactors. Several microbial platforms and reactor configurations including bioelectrochemical systems will be used to valorise the obtained streams and produce value-added chemicals as building blocks for recyclable materials and/or high-added value microbial metabolites (such as omega-3 or carboxylic acids). The project will be in close collaboration with ETH Zürich and Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology.

Duties
As a doctoral student, you will be trained in scientific thinking and writing. The work as a doctoral student is problem-focused. You will develop skills to identify, define, formulate and solve problems of both a practical and theoretical nature. You will also develop your skills to work with complex theoretical and analytical issues and integrate these into current practice. Most of your working time will be devoted on your own research project. You will work independently with your research, with the support of your supervisors, and communicate your scientific results in peer-reviewed scientific journals, as well as participate in national and international conferences. You also study third-cycle courses. In addition, you can have the opportunity to try the teacher role.

Qualifications
To be considered an eligible applicant, a master's degree in biotechnology, chemical engineering, biochemical engineering or equivalent is required according to the regulations found in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 §§ 1-7.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in research and who has a strong structured work habit. You must be able to work both independently and as part of a team. To have good observation and communication skills are essential. Very good oral and written proficiency in English is required. Previous research experience is an additional merit. Prior experience on relevant analytical techniques and knowledge and practical application of handling and culturing microbial cells for the production of microbial metabolites from renewable resources is also a merit. In addition, previous experience in the dissemination of scientific results, including both oral and written presentations, is seen as a strong qualification.

Further information specifically on doctoral education, see; General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

For more information about the research group, see; https://www.ltu.se/research/subjects/Biochemical-Process-Engineering

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting: As soon as possible. Salary is in accordance with local guidelines.

For more information, please contact: Dr. Leonidas Matsakas, Associate Professor in Biochemical Process Engineering Phone: + 46-920-49-3043, e-mail: leonidas.matsakas@ltu.se.

Union representatives: SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
Send in your application via the apply button below and mark your application with the reference number. Your application must include a CV, degree certificates and a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. You can also attach other documents that you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Last day of application: February 28, 2023.

Reference number: 468-2023