Two PhD Positions in Biogas Process Development and Microbiology

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet; Uppsala kommun; On-site; SEK 323,640 - 390,600; Full time

Job summary

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet is looking for two PhD students focusing on biogas production in Uppsala, Sweden. Candidates will engage in projects on biogas process optimization and microbiology, utilizing laboratory-scale research to contribute to sustainable energy and nutrient management.

The ideal applicants should have a Master's degree in relevant fields and excellent communication abilities in English. The position offers a full-time studentship with a competitive salary, commencing upon agreement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology or related field.
• Excellent English communication skills.
• Ability to read and evaluate scientific literature.

Responsibilities

• Operate laboratory-scale biogas processes.
• Study microbiology of biogas processes.
• Work with process modelling.

Skills

Knowledge of English (written and spoken)

Communication skills

Teamwork

Knowledge in microbiology

Education

Master's degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biotechnology, or bioinformatics

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking two PhD students in the field of biogas production, with a focus on the digestion process. The biogas process is currently an important tool for achieving multiple societal benefits and environmental goals. Through anaerobic digestion, a wide range of organic waste streams and residues can be treated while simultaneously closing nutrient cycles and producing renewable energy and nutrient‑rich biofertilizers.

Projects

• Biogas production from agricultural feedstocks – Process optimisation
  • Operate and evaluate laboratory‑scale biogas processes to optimise biogas production and biofertiliser quality.
  • Study processes using chemical and microbiological analyses.
  • Opportunities to work with process modelling.
• Process microbiology
  • Investigate the microbiology of different biogas processes and the influence of operational conditions on microbial activity.
  • Apply molecular biological methods and bioinformatics to analyse microbial communities in laboratory‑scale and full‑scale biogas processes.
  • Identify microorganisms and microbial markers associated with specific operating conditions to predict process disturbances.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken (equivalent to a passing grade in Swedish upper secondary school English B/English 6).
• Ability to read and critically evaluate scientific literature in English and communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Meritorious Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience in biogas processes.
• Experience in modelling and/or programming and statistics.
• Swedish language skills.

Employment and Salary

• Full‑time doctoral studentship for four years of postgraduate education.
• Salary determined according to the local collective agreement for doctoral students, with fixed salary progression levels.
• Scope: 100 % of full time.

Location and Start Date

• Location: Uppsala, Sweden.
• Start date: Upon agreement but not later than December 2026.