Lund University has been granted funding from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) for the period 2015-2019 to work on novel routes for lignin valorization. Lignin is an aromatic polymer and represents a substantial fraction of lignocellulosic biomass, such as wood and agricultural waste. Lignin is the main source of renewable aromatics in nature, but it is a chemically complex polymer, and the current uses have mainly been as a solid fuel or as a filling substance.

The current project aims at exploring novel high-value applications of lignin through tailor-making microbial hosts for new processes. Several research groups at Lund University will work in close collaboration in this challenging and exciting project and we are now looking for motivated people to join us!

The specific sub-project is about developing and using advanced analytical methods for phenolic substances in complex lignin samples. The research will focus on extraction with pressurized hot (subcritical) water and membrane-based separation techniques, as well as qualitative and quantitative analysis using mass spectrometry. The project will be carried out at the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (www.kilu.lu.se/cas), in collaboration with the Division of Applied Microbiology and the Department of Chemical Engineering.

The employee is expected to deliver results in line with the expectations from the partners in the lignin project, and to carry out self-defined research in the field. The person is expected to conduct research together with the leader of the specific project who is also the supervisor of the doctoral student, but also together with other researchers and doctoral students in the lignin project. Furthermore, the person is expected to take the initiative needed to ensure progress in the project and in the third-cycle study program (PhD education). The appointment is four years plus extension depending on the degree of departmental duties.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

Specific eligibility requirements for this position: Master's degree in Chemistry with specialization in analytical chemistry. The minimum requirement is 120 higher education credits in chemistry, including at least 30 credits in analytical chemistry.

Applicants are expected to have completed an approved thesis work in analytical chemistry in the second-cycle. It is an advantage with previous practical experience of extraction and HPLC-MS, as well as a good knowledge in modern separation techniques and general analytical methodology. Furthermore, the person we are looking for should have good numerical analytical skills. It is also an advantage if the applicant has grades in advanced courses in analytical chromatography and mass spectrometry.

The applicant is expected to have good English communication skills in speaking and writing. The role in this project involves working in a multidisciplinary team and the applicant should have good ability to work independently as well as in groups. Furthermore, we are looking for a person who is curious, achievement-oriented, structured and persistent, and has problem-solving analytical skills and a good self-awareness.

Documents to attach: Summary (1/2 - 1 page) that justifies why you want to start a third-cycle study program (PhD education) in analytical chemistry at Lund University, and how this particular research project matches your own interests and your scientific background. Please click the "Apply through website" button to submit your application.

Lund University was founded in 1666. The university is ranked as one of the world's top 100 and is also Sweden's most international university. It has 47,000 students and 7,200 employees in Lund, Malmö and Helsingborg. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

At the Faculty of Science, research and education is conducted in the fields of biology, computer science, physics, earth science, chemistry, mathematics and environmental science. Activities are found at nine institutions gathered in the north campus. The faculty has around 1700 students, 440 graduate students and 800 employees.