Postdoctoral Students in Biology

Institution: Lund University

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Description of the Workplace

We are looking for a PhD student in molecular genetics interested in contributing to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that maintain telomeres. The research group is part of the Molecular Biosciences division at the Department of Biology. This is a molecular biology environment where we are studying the molecular details of various cellular life processes.

Being a Doctoral Student

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

More about being a doctoral student at the Faculty of Science: naturvetenskap.se Doctoral studies | Faculty of Science

Subject and Project Description

You will join the research group of Marita Cohn, in the subject area of Molecular Genetics, as part of the Molecular Biosciences division.

The research topic encompasses fundamental research on molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the maintenance of telomere function in eukaryotic model systems. Telomeres are the chromatin structures protecting the ends of chromosomes and are normally maintained by the enzyme telomerase. However, telomerase-deficient cells may restore telomere function by using recombination-based pathways, so-called Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT). The PhD project will focus on elucidation of the genetic requirements and the molecular mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of telomeres in yeast cells, where both telomerase-dependent and ALT pathways are involved. In this project, you will perform laboratory experiments using various molecular biology and biochemical methods and molecular genetic approaches. Moreover, to elucidate the telomere maintenance mechanisms, you will employ bioinformatics and computational analyses of DNA and RNA sequences.

Link to general study plan for Biology: Study plan

Work Duties

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral education, which mainly consists of writing a doctoral thesis.

Within the research project you will use different methods to study the molecular processes of telomere maintenance in detail, perform data analysis, summarize the results and study the scientific literature. You are expected to contribute to the planning, execution and analysis of the experiments, as well as to writing of scientific papers and grant applications. As a researcher, you will also present your research results by participating in seminars and international conferences. You are expected to collaborate with other PhD students/students on experiments, as well as supervise undergraduate students and interns in the laboratory. The doctoral training also includes some mandatory courses and voluntary special courses that contribute to your development in solving and presenting scientific questions.

In addition to studies, a maximum of 20% of working time may be spent on teaching and other departmental work. You will participate in the teaching of Molecular Genetics, participate in organizing the laboratory, as well as handle administrative duties and project economy.

Qualifications

Admission Requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Biology if the applicant has:

• completed an independent work (e.g. degree project) in a relevant subject comprising at least 30 higher education credits and have good oral and written proficiency in English. The special qualification may also have been obtained through other equivalent education.

Additional Requirements

• university studies including chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics
• Master’s degree in molecular biology, molecular genetics, cell biology, biochemistry or biotechnology
• experience of experimental laboratory work in molecular biology and/or molecular genetics
• highly motivated and able to work independently and collaboratively
• creative problem-solving ability, independence, stress tolerance and endurance
• good ability to formulate and tackle research problems
• good written and oral communication skills
• very good knowledge of English

Selection Criteria

Selection will be based on:

• knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project
• ability to work independently and formulate scientific problems
• communication skills (written and oral)
• theoretical and practical laboratory skills
• relevant experience
• collaborative ability, motivation and independence

We Offer

Lund University is a public authority offering generous benefits, annual leave, and occupational pension schemes.

The department provides an inclusive, dynamic, and creative environment with well-equipped laboratories, seminars, and international collaboration opportunities.

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

Employment

• Fixed-term position (4 years full-time PhD studies)
• Start: September 1st 2026 or as agreed
• Salary: Monthly salary
• Full-time (100%)
• Reference number: PA2026/1408

Contact

Marita Cohn, Senior Lecturer
+46 462227256
marita.cohn@biol.lu.se

Application Requirements

• CV and motivation letter
• Copies of certificates and diplomas
• Master’s thesis (PDF)
• Other supporting documents (references, grades, recommendations)

Key Dates

• Published: 11 May 2026
• Last application date: 15 June 2026