PhD student position in chemistry- Enzymatic modification of lignin - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

Enzymatic modification of lignocellulose, such as wood, is a dynamic research area strongly connected to green chemistry and biomass biorefining. We are looking for a doctoral student to a project on enzymatic catalysis of reactions with lignin. Welcome with your application by June 17, 2021.

Study tasks
The doctoral studies are aimed at a doctoral degree where the main task is research within the project "Enzymatic modification of lignin by oxidoreductases from wood-degrading fungi" with support from the Swedish Research Council. In addition to the research assignment, participation in postgraduate courses is also included.  

You will be part of an international research group focused on biorefinery processes, industrial biotechnology, and basic biochemical processes in biodegradation of biomass, such as wood. Our research is carried out in laboratories at KBC Chemical-Biological Center in Umeå, where we collaborate with e.g. Umeå Plant Science Center and with other groups at the Department of Chemistry, and at the Domsjö Development Area in Örnsköldsvik, where we collaborate with e.g. units within RISE such as RISE Processum and MoRe Research. The research, which covers both basic and applied aspects of woody raw materials and other forms of lignocellulose, is part of the strategic research initiative Bio4Energy and, more specifically, the research platform Biopolymers and Biochemical Conversion Technologies.

The research project is focused on basic aspects of enzymes that catalyze redox reactions in connection with the biodegradation of polymers in biomass, primarily lignin. The purpose of the research is to gain a better understanding of the roles different enzymes play in the degradation processes and how the enzymes act together in concert. Techniques that are important for conducting the research include expression, purification and characterization of recombinant enzymes, as well as proteomics and advanced chemical analysis of complex reaction mixtures with oligomeric and polymeric substrates and reaction products.

Competence requirements
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are 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, you are required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry or another subject considered to be directly relevant to the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level within the specialization or an equivalent subject.

Good knowledge of English in both speech and writing is required.

Further education in biochemistry, biotechnology, analytical chemistry, lignocellulose-related chemistry and chemical engineering, and polymer chemistry are meritorious.

You will work both in groups and independently. It is therefore important that you as a person are proactive, show independence towards set goals, and have a good ability to work together with others.

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 placement takes place according to the established salary level for doctoral employment. Place of study is Örnsköldsvik or Umeå.

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 no later than June 17, 2021.

For more information please contact Prof. Leif Jönsson, +46-(0)90-7866811, leif.jonsson@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 40 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/