Postdoctoral Position in Biochemistry

Lund University

University: Lund University, Sweden
Reference Number: PA2025/3404
Department: Department of Chemistry, Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology
Research Group: Dr. Anna Munke
Location: Lund, Skåne län, Sweden
Employment Type: Full-time, Temporary
Start Date: 1 March 2026 (or as agreed)
Application Deadline: 11 January 2026
Positions Available: 1

Project Overview

The project focuses on virus replication in diatoms, unicellular eukaryotic organisms critical for marine ecosystems. The PhD work will involve:

  • Structural studies using cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, and X-ray crystallography

  • Analyses of virus-infected cells, isolated viruses, and viral proteins

  • Complementary biochemical and biophysical methods

The PhD student will be enrolled in the Molecular Biophysics doctoral programme and have access to:

  • MAX IV Laboratory (synchrotron, X-ray crystallography)

  • Glacios microscope in Lund

  • National cryo-EM facilities in Stockholm and Umeå

Key Responsibilities

  • Cultivating diatoms for viral infection

  • Recombinant expression of viral proteins

  • Isolation and purification of viral proteins and particles

  • Sample preparation for structural determination

  • Data analysis and interpretation

  • Writing and publishing scientific articles

  • Participation in teaching and departmental duties (up to 20%)

Eligibility & Qualifications

General Requirements:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent (240 credits including at least 60 second-cycle credits)

  • English proficiency

Specific Requirements:

  • At least 120 higher education credits in chemistry, including biochemistry or cell biology

  • Degree project at advanced level (≥30 credits) or equivalent experience

  • Practical experience in experimental biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, virology, or cell biology

Additional Advantages:

  • Experience in recombinant protein expression

  • Experience in purification and characterization of biomolecules

  • Experience in structural biology techniques

Skills:

  • Independent research ability

  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking

  • Strong written and oral communication skills

Employment Conditions

  • Full-time, fixed-term employment concurrent with doctoral studies (4 years)

  • Teaching and departmental duties may extend employment proportionally

  • Salary and benefits according to Lund University regulations

  • Employment regulated under Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5

Application Materials

Applications must be submitted in English and include:

  • CV and cover letter explaining motivation and alignment with the project

  • Copies of degree certificates and transcripts

  • Optional: References, recommendation letters, other supporting documents

Application Link: Lund University Doctoral Applications

Contact Information

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