PhD in Chemistry with Focus on Enzymatic Modification of Hemicellulose

Popis:

Department of Molecular Sciences Third-cycle subject area: Chemistry Description of the doctoral project Do you want to work on a project aimed at replacing fossil sources with forest raw materials for the production of biomaterials? Are you interested in exploring molecular interactions at the atomic level using advanced analytical instruments? Do you want to work with a team of researchers who share these interests? If so, this could be the PhD position for you. The overall goal of this PhD project is to enzymatically modify glycans from hemicellulose to produce bio-based crosslinkers for applications in adhesives, hydrogels, and other crosslinked materials. However, many materials we consider bio-based, such as wood fiberboards, hydrogels, and stabilizers from non-fossil polymers, still rely on crosslinkers of fossil origin that are often highly toxic chemicals. Fiberboards used in furniture, construction, and insulation typically contain approximately 9% glue consisting of urea formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen, and its emissions from fiberboards are a major concern. Oxidative enzymes will be applied to hemicellulose substrates, such as xyloglucan and glucomannan, to generate aldehyde and ketone functions on the sugar ring in parallel with partial degradation to oligosaccharides. The expected outcome is a collection of non-toxic, bio-based crosslinkers that can potentially replace formaldehyde and similar fossil-based crosslinkers. About the position You will join a research group conducting research in organic chemistry and biotechnology with a focus on structural analysis of enzymes and carbohydrate substrates using NMR spectroscopy, as well as developing new methods for studying interactions between proteins and carbohydrates using NMR spectroscopy. The project involves extensive laboratory work and will utilize advanced characterization techniques including NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to determine the structural composition of the crosslinkers and crosslinked materials. To achieve these goals while maintaining a productive and enriching environment, the project includes supervision in organic chemistry, enzymology, and wood technology. The position also includes teaching responsibilities of up to 20% of the time. Requirements To meet the general entry requirements, you must have: been awarded a second-cycle (Master's) qualification; satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits, with at least 60 credits earned at the second-cycle level, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad in some other way (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39). Specific entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs in chemistry: To meet the specific entry requirements, you must have at least 60 HEC in chemistry-related subjects (general, analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry as well as biochemistry). This must include a degree project and at least 30 HEC must be at the second-cycle level. You must also meet English language requirements equivalent to those required for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6. Your profile We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a master's degree in a field relevant to this position, such as organic chemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, or equivalent. Experience in biochemistry or organic chemistry with laboratory work is valuable, as is experience with NMR spectroscopy and/or protein expression and purification. We place great emphasis on personal qualities such as collaborative skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work independently. Strong English language skills, both written and spoken, are required. About us You will be located in the organic chemistry subject area at the Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU, Uppsala. The department has approximately 100 employees and, together with three other departments, forms an inspiring research environment at the BioCenter on the Ultuna campus in Uppsala. At the BioCenter, there is broad expertise in plant biology, plant pathology, plant genetics, mycology, microbiology, food science, chemistry, and biotechnology. We have access to advanced infrastructure including a fermentation lab, advanced microscopy, X-ray diffraction, mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. The department conducts research and teaching in chemistry, biotechnology, food science, and microbiology. Our research projects include enzymatic degradation of forest raw materials, fish feed production from yeasts, programmed cell death in plants, and biogas production. More information about the department is available at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/molecular-sciences/. Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Read more about third-cycle courses and study programs at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/ Form of employment Employment as a doctoral student (4-year program). Doctoral student salaries are set according to the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed. Scope: 100% Location: Uppsala Start date: Upon agreement, but no later than December 2026. Application and selection: Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is August 5, 2026. Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/ Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application and is conducted with regard to the applicant's ability to complete the program within the allotted time. Academic union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ Note: This is a shortened version of the advertisement adapted to the Swedish Public Employment Service's (Platsbanken) system. Please see the full advertisement on SLU's website: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-and-vacancies/

Přehled

Typ

job

Stav

active

Viditelnost

public

Město

Uppsala

GPS

59.8520701, 17.7188369kopírovatotevřít v ▾

Email

[email protected]

Telefon

+4618673188

Zobrazení

5

Publikováno

9. 6. 2026

Upraveno

21. 6. 2026

Parametry