Doctoral studentship in Chemistry: analytical chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Faculty of Health, Science and Technology at Karlstad university invites applications for a doctoral studentship in Chemistry with an emphasis on analytical chemistry for a research project on chromatographic separation of biomolecules with relevance to analysis and quality control of pharmaceuticals. The position is in the Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences.

Research in analytical chemistry at Karlstad University has a focus on chemical separation science and separation theory. This means conducting basic research on molecular movement through studying the stationary phase and interaction between molecules. Research is pursued in the field of analytical chemistry but in the borderland to physical chemistry and biochemistry, and strongly supported by mathematics and simulations. The aim is mostly to achieve understanding and improvement of technical applications in conjunction with pharmaceutical industry. Biochemistry researchers at Karlstad University focus on gene expression and its regulation in bacteria, using biochemical separation methods of relevance to the doctoral project. The new doctoral student will be part of a research group which combines experiment and theory for a deeper understanding of separation processes with a focus on the interaction between the molecules to be separated and the surfaces/interfaces functioning as stationary phase.

The Department of Engineering and Chemical Sciences offers courses for the programmes Drug Analysis - Bachelor Programme in Chemistry; MSc Programme in Chemical Engineering and MSc Programme in Energy and Environmental Engineering.

The doctoral studentship is full-time for 4-5 years (80-90 % doctoral studies and 10-20% teaching), with starting date 1 October at the earliest, or by agreement. 

Project description
The research project centres on increasing understanding of the separation of biomolecules of relevance to the pharmaceutical industry such as oligonucleotides, mRNA-analogs and peptides. Synthetically produced biomolecules are currently very topical as modern pharmaceuticals. For pharmaceutical use there are high demands on purification and analysis and today separation methods for biomolecules meeting the requirements are often missing.

Modern quality control in analytical methods development, for example, in the pharmaceutical industry requires very good knowledge of the separation processes. The project aims to develop and use tools for analysing the interaction between biomolecules and stationary phase under different conditions. An important parameter is the choice of separation methods and how to use them.  Examples of potential methods are HILIC, ion pair- and ion exchange and affinity chromatography. Duties include performing experimental studies and treating data with a combination of statistical tools, data simulation and fundamental theory.

Experiments will primarily take place at Karlstad University. Continuous periods of measuring at companies or other universities may be required.

Eligibility
A person who has completed and been issued a Master's degree, including at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits were earned for courses at Master's level, or who in some other way in the country or abroad has acquired largely equivalent knowledge meets the general eligibility requirements.

Special eligibility for admission to doctoral studies in Chemistry with an emphasis on analytical chemistry has a person who has been awarded a Master degree in Chemistry or other subject deemed equivalent, which includes an independent degree project at Master's level of at least 15 credits in a main field of study of relevance to the specialisation specified for the doctoral studies. It is recommended that the independent Master's degree project comprises at least 30 higher education credits.

Assessment criteria
The position requires applicants to have a background in separation science, data modelling and mathematics, as well as good ability to use English in speech and writing. Special weigh is given to applicants' strong motivation for research, ability to work in a structured way, independently and in a group, and creativity and ability to solve problems analytically. Special weight is also given to a positive attitude and good cooperation and communication abilities. Considerable weight is given to experience of biochemistry or biotechnology and good experience of modelling and data processing of measuring data. Weight is given to experience of working with chromatographical separation of biopolymers, and experience of biotechnological methods is a valuable qualification.

Documents that cannot be sent electronically should be sent to the following address (state the ref.no REK 2019/163): Karlstads universitet, Fakultetens för hälsa, natur- och teknikvetenskap, Att: Åsa Ivansson, 651 88 Karlstad.

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and declines any contacts from advertising or recruitment agencies.