Postdoctoral fellowships in the area Biotechnolo

Two postdoctoral fellowships in the area biotechnology for the biorefinery are open in the group of Prof.Leif J. Jönsson at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Sweden (www.umu.se).The research in the group deals with biofuels from lignocellulose, enzymes for conversion of lignocellulosic substrates, and enzymatic control of calcium oxalate scaling.Research in this area is intended to contribute to reduce the dependency on non-renewable resources.The research, which is a part of the activities in Technical Chemistry (www.chemistry.umu.se/english/research/technical-chemistry), 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.The research environment at Umeå University includes the Chemical Biological Centre (www.kbc.umu.se) and the Umeå Plant Science Centre (www.upsc.se).One of the positions (Ref.no.315-585-09) is focused on enzyme-catalyzed degradation and synthesis of lignin and other phenylpropane derivatives.Oxidoreductases, such as laccases and peroxidases, and their role in the biodegradation and biosynthesis of lignin will be explored.Enzyme-based applications in the production of biofuels and bio-based materials will also be investigated.The other position (Ref.no.315-586-09) is focused on enzymes acting on low-molecular-mass compounds relevant to the biorefining of lignocellulose and to the pulp and paper industry.Oxalate-degrading enzymes and biotechnical approaches to control oxalic acid for the prevention of scaling will be explored.Bioconversion of phenolic compounds and other plant metabolites will also be investigated.The positions will be based on stipends with a duration of two years.Applicants should have a doctoral degree within biotechnology, chemistry, chemical engineering, molecular biology, or an equivalent field, preferably not more than three years old.Desirable qualifications include experience in enzymology, genetic engineering, analytical methods useful in the biorefinery area, and wood chemistry.We encourage applications from both men and women.Information and instructions are available at www.umu.se/english/about-umu/open-positions.For further information, please contact prof.Application procedure The application should be marked with the appropriate reference number.Note that, if you apply for both positions, separate applications are needed.The application should include: (i) a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and motives for applying, (ii) a curriculum vitae, (iii) a publication list, (iv) transcript of records from higher education, and (v) the names and contacts of 1 to 3 references.The application should not include separate articles or theses.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 PDF format.