Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering – with focus on advanced process engineering (PA2025/1832)

The Division of Chemical Engineering has a long tradition of research in advanced process technology with various process applications, especially downstream processes for biological pharmaceuticals. Throughout the research in the field, the focus is on utilizing model-based computational technology to study and solve advanced separation problems. The assistant professor position will be part of the advanced process engineering group. We look positively at cross-group collaborations both within and outside the department. At the department, for example, there is research in biotechnological processes and drug formulation. The purpose of the recruitment is to strengthen the department's work in advanced process engineering in pharmaceutical applications, particularly in biological pharmaceuticals and in cell and gene therapy.

Within the division there are competencies in separation processes, reaction technology, modeling and water purification. The teaching staff consists of approximately 15 people who are supplemented by a few more postdocs and ca. 25 PhD students. To support the research, the department has 2 research engineers and 2 administrators.

Chemical engineering conducts applied and basic research in several different areas that in one or more ways aim to fulfill the goals within Agenda 2030. An important part of these goals is related to energy and material production. To enable a shift from fossil raw materials to bio-based ones, systems for conversion and fractionation of biomass at different levels must be available.

Much of the department's applied research at TRL 4-6 is related to scaling up various processes. This part of the research is conducted within the framework of the Lund University Pre-Pilot Plant, which is a consolidation of large-scale laboratory infrastructure at the divisions of Chemical Engineering, Food and Pharmaceuticals, and Biotechnology.

For the position as assistant professor, we are looking for a candidate who can supplement and further develop the department's research in advanced process engineering for biological pharmaceutical applications. Different competences can complement the already ongoing research, either by working in chromatographic separation techniques for biological materials or in integrated continuous downstream processes.

Teaching at basic, advanced and postgraduate level forms the cornerstones of chemical engineering's operations. As part of the employment, teaching at basic and advanced levels is included, where the student is expected to develop both their ability to formulate and solve process engineering problems with computational methods.

Since a large proportion of the department's teaching takes place at basic level where the language of instruction is Swedish, it will be assumed that the person proposed for the position also works actively to achieve a level in Swedish that enables them to teach in Swedish within a few years.

Finally, humanity is in constant change and over time various research questions will be important to solve. Right now, the most important issues in chemical engineering are food, pharmaceuticals, energy and clean water, but this can change incredibly quickly. Our recruitment of an assistant professor is a long-term investment on the part of the department, and during the course of a research career, a lot can happen that makes it necessary to reassess and evaluate the direction of the research. We therefore assume that as a candidate for employment you have the readiness, willingness and ability to change research focus over time in order to meet society's needs.

Subject

 Chemical Engineering – with focus on advanced process engineering

Subject description

The subject of advanced process engineering includes the following:

Basic competence building to describe process engineering systems and formulate problem formulations that can be studied and solved with computational methods for design, dimensioning, sensitivity, robustness, optimization, automation, feedback control, etc.

Development of process engineering applications that demonstrate model-based methods but also challenge the development of new methods. The position focuses on, but is not limited to, downstream processing of biologics and for gene therapy.

Work duties

Employment as an assistant professor is a tenure track position, which aims for the holder to develop their independence as a researcher and educator. The work duties mainly involve research and teaching. The position includes the opportunity to undertake five weeks of training in teaching and learning in higher education.

Work duties include:

• Research within the subject area.
• Teaching at basic level, advanced level and postgraduate level.
• Supervision of degree workers and doctoral students.
• Work with applying for external research funding.
• Collaboration with industry and society.
• Administration linked to the duties above.

Qualification requirements

Qualification requirements for employment as an assistant professor are fulfilled by someone who has been awarded a doctorate or has the corresponding research competence.

Primary consideration should be given to someone who has been awarded a doctorate or achieved the equivalent competence within seven years of the deadline for application for employment as an assistant professor. However, someone who has been awarded a doctorate or achieved the equivalent expertise at an earlier date may also be considered if there are special grounds. Special grounds are sick leave, parental leave or other similar circumstances.

Assessment criteria

For appointment to assistant professor, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and carry out high quality research.
• Teaching ability.

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented research in advanced process engineering and applied computing technology, e.g. modeling, simulation, optimization, etc.
• Collaborative skills, initiative and the ability to solve work tasks independently, as well as a demonstrated interest in leadership.

Other qualifications

Significant documented research experience (e.g. from postdoc or doctoral studies) from another university/institute or relevant experience from industry/public sector. Documented research in downstream processes for biological drugs and/or for gene therapy. Documented research in industrial issues and/or experience of collaboration with industrial partners. Experience with experimental techniques in protein purification, e.g. chromatography, membrane/filter, as well as different types of detectors and analysis methods.

The extent to which the applicant, through their experience and skills, may complement and strengthen ongoing research, undergraduate education, departmental innovation, and how they can contribute to the future development of the department will also be taken into consideration.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 6 years. The employment is regulated in accordance with Chapter 4 Section 12a§ HEA. The purpose of the appointment is for the teacher to be given the opportunity to develop research autonomy and acquire the scholarly and teaching qualifications required for eligibility for appointment as a senior lecturer.

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: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university .

Instructions on how to apply

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/

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Promotion to Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering with focus on advanced process engineering

During the period of employment, an assistant professor can apply for promotion to a permanent position as Senior Lecturer if he or she has the required qualifications listed below, and is deemed suitable. An assistant professor can only apply for promotion once.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to senior lecturer requires that the applicant has:

• A PhD or corresponding research competence or professional expertise considered important with regard to the subject matter of the post and the work duties it will involve.
• Demonstrated teaching expertise.
• Completed five weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning, or acquired equivalent knowledge by other means.

Assessment criteria

The assessment criteria specify the aspects to be considered, and the level to be achieved, for the assessment criteria to be deemed fulfilled. The following assessment criteria must be fulfilled for appointment to senior lecturer:

• A good national and international standing as a researcher. The requirement for international experience shall be assessed with consideration to the character and traditions of the subject.
• Good teaching ability, including a good ability to conduct, develop and lead teaching and other educational activities on different levels and using a variety of teaching methods.
• An ability to supervise doctoral students to achieve a PhD.
• An ability to collaborate with wider society and communicate his or her activities.
• A general ability to lead and develop activities.

Additional requirements

• Good ability to collaborate, independence and drive.
• Sufficient knowledge of Swedish to carry out administrative and educational tasks that require an understanding of Swedish.
• Progression in research and teaching expertise.