Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefits. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 2 billion per year. We are currently 1,500 employees and have 17,900 students. In the coming years, billions of kronor will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in major projects aimed at a more sustainable society nationally as well as globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly topical research projects and the social transformation that follows. We have a wide range of programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you will help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future. The research group in Biochemical Process Engineering, part of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering with about 350 employees, conducts groundbreaking research in industrial biotechnology. Read more about our research here: research/researchcommittees/biochemical-process-technology. We are now looking for a PhD student to join our Bioelectrochemistry lab, where we explore microbial electrochemical interactions and their applications, with a focus on upcycling of complex plastic waste. Are you motivated to develop sustainable solutions for plastic waste management? Join our dynamic and international research environment as a PhD student and contribute to cutting-edge research in one of the most crucial areas for a circular economy and a sustainable future! Subject description Biochemical Process Engineering focuses on biochemical processes for the production and processing of chemicals, fuels and materials from biomass. Project description The PhD project focuses on exploring bioelectrochemical processes for bio-upcycling of plastic wastes, such as PET hydrolysates and microplastics (MP), into new value-added chemicals using microbial systems. The project is supported by two projects: "UPSCALE (Upcycling of PET waste using bioelectrochemical systems)" and "2nd UpChance (A second chance for Upcycling of Microplastics)", funded by the Swedish Research Council. UPSCALE focuses on using pure and mixed bacterial cultures to upcycle PET hydrolysates, which contain the monomer ethylene glycol, into carboxylates using bioelectrochemical systems (BES). The process involves two steps: 1) microbial conversion of ethylene glycol to acetate and ethanol, and 2) development of a microbial electrosynthesis process to upcycle biotreated PET hydrolysates into carboxylates, using homoacetogens as biocatalysts. The 2nd UpChance aims to develop an integrated process that harnesses the chemical energy of plastic polymers and thereby upcycles microplastics (MP) into value-added products by: 1) developing advanced BES oxidation processes that facilitate biodegradation of MP-rich streams, and b) integrating microalgal processes that can convert carbon in MP into industrially valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids. The proposed approach represents a synergistic effort to finally integrate MP into a circular economy, transforming a waste problem into high-value products. Work tasks As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific thinking and writing. The work is problem-focused and will give you the skills to identify, define, formulate and solve challenges of both practical and theoretical nature. You will also develop the ability to deal with complex theoretical and analytical issues and integrate these into practical applications. The majority of your time will be devoted to your own research project. You will work independently on your project, with the support of your supervisors, and disseminate your results through publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and through presentations at national and international conferences. Your training will also include advanced courses tailored to your research area. In addition, you will have the opportunity to gain teaching experience. Qualifications To be eligible for the position, you must have a Master's degree in biotechnology, microbiology, chemical engineering or a related field. Practical experience in the cultivation of anaerobic microorganisms, working with bioelectrochemical systems or using molecular biology techniques is highly desirable and will be considered a strong asset. Additional requirements are a good command of English, both oral and written, and very good communication skills. A collaborative approach, with the ability to participate effectively in teamwork and multidisciplinary projects, is also considered a strong asset. Information to be provided Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full time. Place of employment, Luleå and access by agreement. For further information, please contact Ulrika Rova, Professor of Biochemical Process Engineering, 0920-49 1315 Ulrika.rova@ltu.se, or Suman Bajracharya, Researcher in Biochemical Process Engineering, suman.bajracharya@ltu.s Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Lars Frisk, 0920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se How to apply Applications should be submitted via the link below. Applications should include a cover letter, CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas, contact details of two referees and copies of verified diplomas. Both the application and the diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Deadline for applications: January 21, 2025 Reference number: 5094-2024