PhD student in Biochemical Process Engineering

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 1.9 billion. Today, we have 1,815 staff and 19,155 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 novel and sustainable solutions for carbon dioxide capture, both from industrial emissions and directly from the air, which can enable carbon dioxide storage that in the long run can contribute to permanent negative emissions?

Our research in this area is focused on processes that use specific enzymes to catalyze carbon capture and make it more energy and cost efficient. If this is something that interests you, we can offer you a PhD education in a dynamic and international research environment.

The Biochemical Process Engineering research group, which is part of the Department of Civil Engineering and Natural Resources with approximately 350 employees, consists of 14 senior researchers and several PhD students. More about the research group. Our research is conducted in close collaboration with national and international universities, industries and research institutes and targets several of the UN's sustainable development goals with a focus on solutions for a circular economy.

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
We are looking for a PhD student in Biochemical Process Engineering with a special focus on development of novel enzyme-based processes for carbon dioxide capture. Our PhD student will be part of a new project within Industriklivet which is financed by the Swedish Energy Agency and carried out in close cooperation with the mining industry. More information about how we use biotechnology to capture, store or convert carbon dioxide can be found here. 

Duties
As a doctoral student, you are 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 questions and integrate these into practical use. Most of your working time will be devoted to 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 will also study third-cycle courses. In addition, you will get opportunities 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. Good observation and communication skills are essential. Very good oral and written proficiency in English is required. Previous research experience with relevant analytical techniques as well as knowledge and practical application of enzymes for industrial applications are very strong credentials and will be considered advantageous.

For further information on doctoral education see; General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

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. Io Antonopoulou, Senior Lecturer in Biochemical Processs Engineering. Phone: (+ 46)920-49-3453, e-mail: io.antonopoulou@ltu.se.

Union representatives: SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se and 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: April 7, 2023
Reference number: 1037-2023