Researcher in Water Resources Engineering Microbial Community Ecology (PA2022/2914)

Description of the workplace 

At the Division of Water Resources Engineering, in the Department of Building and Environmental technology, research and teaching pursue the understanding of how water resides and is transported in nature and in urban systems. This includes, but is not limited to, studies on the movement of rainwater, how rain and melted snow reach rivers, flooding and systems to reduce the consequences of flooding, water flows, factors affecting water quality, and erosion along open coasts, rivers and lakes.

The current position is within a group examining microbial aspects of water quality from an ecological perspective. 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.

While numerous descriptions exist describing microbial communities in water engineering contexts, little is understood about their function and interaction. The majority of work has characterized bacteria in these systems, in both water and biofilm. An understanding of the roles for different members in these communities can be used to monitor their function and movement in real time using microscopy, flow cytometry and DNA sequencing approaches. This, in turn, can 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. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University  

Work duties 

You will examine microbial communities used in drinking water and waste water treatment processes. You will be asked to examine spatiotemporal aspects in the community composition and distribution in the context of function in these communities. You will examine in detail whole genome sequences of selected bacterial isolates. You will perform these duties as part of the team, including some supervision of doctoral students.

This project is a collaboration with several water utilities in Sweden.

Qualifications  

You have:

• A PhD microbial ecology, biotechnology or microbiology, but must include use of bioinformatics in any context.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Basic level of oral and written proficiency in Swedish.
• Programming skills in R.
• Knowledge of natural and/or engineered microbial communities.

It is an additional qualification if you have experience of:

• A very good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• PhD thesis in a water engineering context.
• Experience working with industrial partners in the water engineering or treatment field.
• Teaching skills.
• Skills in advanced microscopic techniques and/or flow cytometry, including data analysis.
• Skills in metagenomic analysis.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development. 

Further information 

The position is a fixed term position for five months at 100 percent of full time and starting in October 2022 or by agreement, although not beyond December 2022. 

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.

Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more: http://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/

Welcome with your application!