Associate Researcher in marine biotechnology

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals and populations to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics and combinations of these fields in order to understand the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes of the environment.

The department is placed at two different localities: in the building Natrium located on Medicinareberget in Gothenburg and Kristineberg Center in Fiskebäckskil. The current position is placed at Natrium.

We offer
The University of Gothenburg is a state authority, which means special benefits, more holidays and a great pension. We also offer flexible time contracts to balance private and work life. You can read more about our employment benefits here.

Project description

This position is part of a work package within the ongoing SEAlgaePower project under ‘Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership’ Second Joint Transnational Call 2024. The overall scientific objective of SEAlgaePower is to develop innovative technologies where microalgae are used to remediate nutrient-rich side-stream waters from land-based aquaculture and the seafood processing industry while simultaneously producing biomass for the sustainable development of novel ingredients (https://www.sealgaepower.eu/). The SEAlgaePower consortium consists of fourteen partners from academia, research institutes and industry, and is coordinated by the BioEnv department at the University of Gothenburg. BioEnv leads the work package aimed at selecting suitable microalgae strains from the North and the Mediterranean Sea using a lab-scale cultivation system based on their ability to grow in different side-stream waters. This work package involves collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Palermo.

Duties

The main task of this position is to select microalgae strains which in combination with side streams from seafood processing industry give the highest biomass yield and the cleanest water. The selection of microalgae strains and optimal growth conditions will be done in laboratory multi-cultivator systems. The growth will be monitored by absorbance and chlorophyll fluorescence, and the biomass will be collected to determine the yield. The Associate Researcher will participate in consortium meetings, research conferences, and outreach activities.

Qualifications

We are seeking a motivated person for a position as Associate Researcher in marine biotechnology with focus on cultivation of marine microalgae in side-stream waters from seafood industry.

Required qualifications for the employment:

• Eligible to be employed as an Associate Researcher is a person with a university degree at the master’s level (advanced level) in biotechnology, microbiology, biology, biochemistry, environmental science, or related field.
• Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, in English are necessary since we work in an international environment.

Desirable qualifications for the employment:

• Doctoral degree in biotechnology, microbiology, biology, biochemistry, environmental science, or related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in algal biotechnology and laboratory cultivation of marine microalgae, assessed based on peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated experience with microalgae physiological methods and biochemical analyses of biomass.

Personal qualifications:

The position requires a solution-oriented and well-organized researcher with strong collaborative and communication skills. You should be able to work independently in a laboratory environment, plan and execute experiments systematically, and critically evaluate experimental data. The role also requires flexibility and the ability to adapt experimental strategies when working with complex biological systems. Good interpersonal skills are essential, as the project involves close collaboration with researchers from other universities and active participation in regular consortium meetings and scientific conferences.

The application should preferably be written in English and must include:

• A short cover letter with the applicant’s justification for the application, i.e., that describes how the applicant meets the selection criteria
• A list of qualifications (CV)
• Copy of degree certificate
• If applicable, a publication list, including submitted and accepted manuscripts

The top ranked candidates will be selected for an interview, which might be held in English and could also be performed digitally.

Employment

This is a fixed-term employment position for 11 months, extent 100 % full-time, placed at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Starting date: 01/08/2026 or upon agreement.

Contact information for the post

For further information please contact:

Cornelia Spetea Wiklund, professor
Phone: +46 766229332
Email: cornelia.spetea.wiklund@bioenv.gu.se
Webpage: https://www.gu.se/en/research/phobio

Åsa Arrhenius, Head of Department
tel. +46 31 786 26 25
Email: asa.arrhenius@bioenv.gu.se

If you have any questions about the employment process, please contact HR at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science, hr@bioenv.gu.se