Postdoctoral position in biochemistry for microalgal biomass production - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Chemistry is now searching for a Postdoctoral researcher in the field of renewable energy with focus on algal biomass production and the development of sustainable and biobased UV filter chemicals. Last day to apply is 20 January, 2020.

Project description and working tasks
The work is part of the projects MicroBioRefine and NordAqua (http://nordaqua.fi/) focusing on the efficient and economic production of biomass by growing high latitude photosynthetic microorganisms on carbon dioxide and nutrients from local flue gases and wastewaters. The project is in the field of renewable energy with focus on algal biomass production and the development of sustainable and biobased UV filter chemicals.

The postdoc will focus on research and method development by optimizing the biomass production of algae and cyanobacteria, physiological characterization of algal and cyanobacterial strains grown in waste water, biochemical fractionation of the microorganisms as well as establishing and conducting laboratory-scale experiments to investigate the accumulation of UV filter chemicals in algae and cyanobacteria. The postdoc is expected to independently design experiments and conduct research as outlined above, analyze data and interpret results, present oral and poster presentations at regional and international conferences and publish findings in high-profile scientific journals. Occasional travel for field work and to the bioreactor in Dåva outside Umeå is required.

Qualifications
The required qualification is a doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent in microbiology, biochemistry or biotechnology or equivalent. To be eligible the degree must have been completed a maximum of three years before the end of the application period unless certain circumstances exist.

Experience in microbiological and biochemical methods is required as well as special knowledge of experimental work with photosynthetic microorganisms. Since the postdoc will use various advanced laboratory equipment, extensive experience in practical laboratory work is required. Independence, the ability for good team work and a good command of the English language, both written and spoken, are required as well as qualities such as creativity and the ability to take initiatives. Experience in analytical techniques e.g. gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is meriting.

Terms of employment
The position is for full-time for a period of two years. Starting date is planned to early 2020 or according to agreement.

Application
A complete application should be written in English or Swedish and include:

• a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and motives for applying and a short project plan,
• a curriculum vitae, including a publication list
• a copy of doctoral degree certificate or equivalent and other relevant degree certificates and obtained grades
• copies of your Ph.D. thesis and relevant publications
• names and contact information of three reference persons
• other documents you wish to claim

The application is to be submitted in the e-recruitment system Varbi 20 January, 2020 at the latest.

Information
For further information, contact Professor Christiane Funk, phone: +46-(0)90-786-7633, e-mail: christiane.funk@umu.se.

Department of Chemistry is the largest department in the Faculty of Science and Technology, with approximately 200 employees, including about 40 doctoral students, and with a strong and expanding research. Three major areas of research; Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry and Technical Chemistry, represents the research and chemistry education of our department. We are also a strong partner in KBC, The Chemical-Biological Centre. For more information about working at Umeå University: www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/