PhD student in microbial robustness in yeast bioprocesses

Do you want to pursue PhD-studies learning how yeast systems biology can contribute to improved bioprocess to the benefit of the emerging bioeconomy? The offered PhD project addresses microbial robustness, something that may be lacking when bioprocesses are scaled up. The project gives an exiting opportunity to work on understanding yeast physiology in detail using modern system biology tools for the benefit of improving large scale bioprocesses. The division has an extensive instrument platform for analytics, molecular biology, protein production and fermentation. In addition, core facilities with advanced equipment are available within both the Department and at the University campus.

Project overview
The project offered will contribute to studies of microbial robustness and the influence of industrial large-scale perturbations on microbial robustness. In detail, the aim is to advance the current understanding of yeast subpopulation diversity and its impact on industrial bioprocesses. Scale-down cultivations will be used to mimic large-scale cultivation conditions. Subpopulations will be identified and FACS sorted based on the introduction of biosensors. The phenotypes of the subpopulations will be studied with already developed tools for microbial robustness investigations combined with omic analysis to gain understanding on the molecular traits leading to subpopulation development.

Information about the division and the department
At the division of Industrial Biotechnology our vision is to supply knowledge and competence to enable the transition to a biobased economy, where biomass is used for sustainable production of materials, chemicals, fuels, foods and pharmaceuticals needed in our society. The team work on microbial robustness, bioprocesses and enzymatic discovery and biorefining. You can read more about the activities in the team here: [...]/

As a PhD student you will meet a collaborative research environment, where we share both theoretical and practical experiences.

Main responsibilities

• Research within microbial robustness
• Course work within industrial biotechnology
• Supporting the lab infrastructure, i.e. superuser of certain instruments

Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Qualifications

• MSc in Systems Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering or related disciplines
• Courses in bioinformatics, systems biology and fermentation technology
• Some knowledge and hands-on experience with yeast fermentations and collection of large omic data sets.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English
• Ability to work in teams and drive your own development.
• The candidate needs to be self-motivated, ambitious, well-organised and have good problem-solving skills.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

What we offer
Chalmers provides a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be written in English and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 21 February 2025

For questions, please contact:
Questions about PhD-studies, the research group and the PhD-project:
Prof. Lisbeth Olsson, lisbeth.olsson@chalmers.se

Questions about Chalmers, Division of Industrial Biotechnology and employment conditions
Prof. Carl Johan Franzén, Head of division, franzen@chalmers.se

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.