PhD student positions in the area biotechnology

PhD student positions in the area biotechnology for the biorefinery Two Ph.D.student positions are open in the group of prof.Leif J. Jönsson at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Sweden www.umu.se.The research involves the disciplines of chemistry and biotechnology and concerns biotechnical methods in the utilization of renewable resources in the form of lignocellulose.The research in this field is intended to contribute to the reduction of the dependence of society on fossil resources.Biocatalysts useful for the conversion of lignocellulosic materials are being investigated.One of the positions will be focused on enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and biodegradation of lignin (reference number 313-4564-08).Oxidoreductases, such as laccases and peroxidases, and non-enzymic oxidants acting on lignin and other phenylpropane derivatives are being investigated.The other position (reference number 313-4590-08) will be focused on the utilization of lignocellulosic feedstocks for the production of cellulosic ethanol and other bio-based chemicals, materials and fuels.Management of by-products of hydrolysis is an important part of this research.Basic education in chemistry, chemical engineering and/or biotechnology is a suitable background for applicants.General requirements include (i) 240 ECTS credit points (swe.högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), (ii) equivalent educational merits gained in Sweden or abroad, or (iii) 120 Swedish (old) credit points (swe.poäng) (corresponding to 180 ECTS credit points) of higher education studies if they were taken before July 1, 2007.In addition to these general requirements, 120 ECTS credit points need to be in chemistry or a comparable subject.The research is carried out in laboratories in Umeå and in Örnsköldsvik and involves collaboration with biorefinery-oriented industry in the region.Read more about biorefinery activities in the region at www.processum.se and www.bioraffinaderi.se.One of the positions will be stationed in Umeå and the other in Örnsköldsvik.The duration of the positions is at least four years.Participation in undergraduate education (laboratory class teaching) may possibly extend the duration up to a maximum of five years.For further information, please contact prof.Leif J. Jönsson.Application procedure The application should be marked with the reference number(s) 313-4564-08 and/or313-4590-08.Applicants are encouraged to apply for both positions by marking the same application with both reference numbers.The application should include: (i) a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and motives for applying, (ii) a curriculum vitae, (iii) transcripts of records, and (iv) the names and contacts of 1 to 3 references.Applications will be discarded or, if the applicant so wishes, returned two years after the position has been filled.Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDFs format.