Postdoc -Microbial surveillance of biogas plants

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 https://www.slu.se/en/departments/molecular-sciences/ 
About the position
We are looking for a post doc for our ongoing research project on microbiological surveillance of biogas plants. Increased biogas production is an important component in achieving Sweden's environmental and climate goals. In the project you will, together with a research team, develop of a modern DNA based monitoring method that can play an important role in optimizing and increasing the efficiency of different biogas plants. 

Recently, we developed a unique method for microbiological monitoring of biogas plant, which shows very promising results for identification of  approaching process disturbances. The method represents a valuable tool for the optimization and operation of biogas plants, but to reach the application stage the method needs to be further developed. The goal of this project is to refine the surveillance tool through a comprehensive long-term microbial monitoring of several biogas plants combined with machine learning. You will be involved in experimental biogas trials, DNA-based sequencing and bioinformatic data analysis. Data collection from various biogas plants and statistical analysis will also be a part of your task as well as compiling results in scientific articles. The project is financed by the Swedish Energy Agency and will carried out at the Department of Molecular Sciences at SLU, in collaboration with researchers at Örebro University and various biogas plants.

Your profile
Applicants must have a PhD in biology/microbiology and documented competence and knowledge in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics and in the operation of biogas processes. Skills related to the characterization of complex microbial communities and knowledge of Swedish is an asset. Good ability to communicate scientifically, orally and in writing, in English is expected, as well as good ability to communicate in Swedish with industry partners. As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

About us
Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:
Uppsala

Form of employment:
Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:
100%

Start date:
As agreed

Application:
Please submit your application before deadline 26th July 2024. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

Union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ 


The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.