Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

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/

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment Early 2020 or according to agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-2047-19
Contact
  • Christiane Funk, 090-7867633
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 19.Dec.2019
Last application date 20.Jan.2020 11:59 PM CET

Return to job vacancies