Researcher at the Department of Process and Life Science Engineering in: Biofilms in Drinking Water

Lunds universitet

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

The Department of Process and Life Science Engineering (PLE) at Lund University is located at Kemicentrum, one of the Nordics’ largest centers for education and research in the field of chemistry. PLE has around 150 employees, of which around 65 are PhD students. The department offers a broad competence in areas such as chemical engineering, food technology, biotechnology and technical microbiology. The research and education at PLE spans the entire subject of chemistry and includes both undergraduate and graduate education. The Department of Process Engineering and Applied Biosciences (PLE) at Lund University works actively to ensure a good working environment through several initiatives and routines. PLE encourages open communication and collaboration between employees, students and management to continuously improve and have regular meetings and dialogues to discuss workplace safety.

Description of the workplace

Both applied and fundamental research is conducted at the division of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology in the field of biotechnology, focusing on microbial physiology, precision fermentation, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, enzymes, and enzymatic processes. The purpose of the research is often linked to the development of technology to create sustainable and circular solutions for products and services with applications in the environment, analysis, food, water, agriculture, medicine, and industrial biotechnology for the production of materials, chemicals, and fuels.

The position is within the research group examining the role of microbes in providing high quality drinking water to society. We are an inclusive international group using DNA sequencing and other microbial characterizations to describe and understand process in industrial water contexts. In addition to the specific nature of this researcher project, we work with microbes in drinking water, bathing water and wastewater and the molecular methods required to analyze these microbes.

Microbes in contact with drinking water are often found living as biofilms, however, little is understood about how they communicate with each other. This project will investigate different ways that these bacteria interact, including novel approaches for studying these interactions. In drinking water, biofilms can both be considered beneficial when they are participating in water treatment, and in a more negative light with respect to corrosion and understanding how the microbes in these biofilms interact with each other, can in turn, inform managers and process engineers at water utilities and industrial partners about best practice for water treatment.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University.

Work duties

You will develop methods to examine molecule-based communication between isolated strains of bacteria as well as microbial communities in contact with drinking water. You will examine whole genome sequences, metagenomics data and other DNA-based signatures from bacteria to explain laboratory findings. You will perform these duties as part of a team of researchers including both doctoral and undergraduate students. This work is conducted in collaboration with water utilities in Sweden and may include travel for sampling around Sweden.

Description of the work duties:

• support/assist the research group while conducting your own research within the subject area.
• teach in the first, second and third cycles of studies (max 20 %).
• supervise of degree projects.
• assist in seeking external research funding.
• collaborate with industry and wider society.
• complete some administration tasks related to the work duties listed above.

Qualifications

Appointment to a position as a researcher requires that the applicant has a PhD.

Required qualifications:

• a PhD in microbial ecology, biotechnology or microbiology.
• very good oral and written proficiency in English. 
• excellent laboratory skills in microbiology.
• knowledge and related skills pertaining to genetically engineered microbes.
• demonstrated ability to obtain funding.

Additional requirements:

• a very good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• experience working with molecules and signalling in microbes.
• basic level of oral and written proficiency in Swedish.
• teaching skills, including supervision of research education (Masters, Ph.D. students).
• skills in advanced microscopic techniques and/or flow cytometry, including data analysis.

Further information

The position is a fixed term position for 6 months at 100 % per cent of full time. Starting date 2025-12-01 or after agreement. The position is not a teaching position and is covered by the flexitime agreement for T/A staff. Researchers who wish to become university teachers can apply for a position as assistant senior lecturer or senior lecturer in an open competition. For more information about the researcher employment form, see also: Academic positions at Lund University

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!

LTH is Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and work hard for the development of society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative advancements in technology, architecture and design. We have nearly 10,000 students. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 theses and 2 000 scientific findings. In addition, many of our research and degree projects are transformed into innovations. Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.

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