PhD student position in chemistry with focus on multivariate data analysis - ,

Umeå University Industrial Doctoral School and the Department of Chemistry, are seeking a PhD-student in chemistry with focus on multivariate data analysis. The position is for 4 years of research including courses on graduate level. Application deadline is 18 December 2020.

Project description
Biologics are a class of medications that have already had a profound impact on many medical fields. Biologics are commercially produced by living cells, a process being inherently complex partly due to the current lack of understanding of the factorsthat influence it, thus impacting product efficiency and quality.

The presented project will focus on modelling of high-throughput omics data from the characterization of main biopharmaceutical production processes, based on the Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell line. This with the aim to obtain enhanced understanding of the process on a molecular level, which will contribute to its future optimization to improve quality of the products and reduce their costs. To achieve this, the researchers in the project will apply and develop modern data analytics approaches based on multivariate data analysis methods and systems biology modelling.

The main challenge in industrial processes based on complex biological systems is efficient real-time monitoring, control and prediction of the process outcome. Mathematical models, so called ‘soft sensors’ are quite often used for these purposes. In this project, we will also use flux balance analysis models and test their performance as ‘soft sensors’ for characterization of normal and deviating evolution of cellular metabolism during biomanufacturing processes.

The project will be performed in collaboration with Sartorius, a total solutions provider for the modern biopharmaceutical industry and a world leader in industrial process monitoring and control using multivariate technology. The candidate will have the possibility to spend parts of the project time in the Sartorius office in Umeå where he/she will interact with other Sartorius members, including developers and data scientists. Furthermore, the candidate will be given the opportunity for several in-site visits to the Sartorius bioprocessing lab in Göttingen, where all experiments will be done.

Umeå university industrial doctoral school for research and innovation
The Industrial Doctoral School (IDS) is a multidisciplinary research school where the projects are based on collaborations between Umeå University and external organizations. The PhD students in IDS form an interdisciplinary group that, in addition to each scientific specialization, is given a tailor-made course package providing a strong platform for future work within research and development. A PhD position in IDS also includes an internship at one of the external organizations for each doctoral student.

Terms of employment
The appointment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects as well as postgraduate courses. In the assignments, teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years when part-time teaching. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.

Qualifications
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in chemistry, the applicant is required to have completed at least 90 ECTS credits in chemistry courses, of which at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level. Good knowledge in English, both written and spoken, is required. The candidate must be structured, have a solution-oriented approach and an interest to learn new things, especially in Advanced Data Analytics. Very good communication skills and the ability to co-operate are also requirements. Experience with data science tools including scripting, mainly in Python is a merit as well as experience in Design-of-Experiments and data analytics.

Application
A complete application should contain the following documents:

• A cover letter including a description of your research interests and motivation for applying
• A Curriculum Vitae
• Certified copies of degree certificates or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades
• Name and contact information of at least two reference persons

Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system. The last day to apply is 18 December 2020. For more information please contact Professor Henrik Antti, henrik.antti@umu.se.

About us
The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees, of which approximately 50 doctoral students, and a strong and expanding research. The Department has three major research areas: Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/.

For more information about working at Umeå University, https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.