Project Assistant in Cell and Virus Mechanics for Antiviral Development and Improved Gene Therapy Vector Production

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the worlds 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.

The position is based at BMC (Biomedical Center) in Lund specifically within the Neurobiology Section at the Department of Experimental Medical Sciences (EMV). The research group conducts experimental studies in cell and virus biomechanics with a focus on nuclear mechanics and mechanoadaptation in disease models.

The mission of the group is to advance cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the interface of cell biology biophysics and microscopy. The group is part of the Neurobiology Section which integrates expertise in molecular cell biology mechanobiology advanced microscopy and biotechnology to understand cellular mechanisms in normal function and disease.

The project assistant will be an integrated member of this research environment and will work closely with senior and junior researchers with complementary expertise in microbiology atomic force microscopy (AFM) fluorescence microscopy cell biology and data analysis. The workplace offers modern laboratory facilities and access to advanced infrastructure for cell and molecular biology experiments.

The group is characterized by an open international and collaborative working style. We actively promote a positive work environment through clear supervision regular follow-ups realistic workload planning and an inclusive culture that prioritizes knowledge exchange and job satisfaction. The project is also part of a Nordic research collaboration within the HALRIC framework with close interaction between partner laboratories.

Lund University is a government agency which means you receive special benefits generous vacation and a favourable occupational pension.

Lund University is a public authority which means that as an employee you receive special benefits such as generous annual leave parental leave and an attractive occupational pension.

In addition we offer a stimulating and international research environment with access to advanced research infrastructure including a newly installed BioAFM. We have a flexible working hours agreement that supports a good worklife balance and a workplace climate characterized by collaboration clear supervision and strong opportunities for professional development. Read more on the universitys website about being an employee at Lunds University Work at Lund University.

You will have primary responsibility for conducting experimental studies of nuclear mechanics in cancer cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in combination with fluorescence microscopy. The work includes cell culture preparation of cells and isolated nuclei AFM-based force and stiffness measurements and correlative imaging.

You will also contribute to method development and the establishment of a new research line in cancer cell mechanics including optimization of protocols documentation of workflows and analysis of experimental data. The work is carried out in close collaboration with researchers in cell biology biophysics and microscopy and includes regular reporting and presentation of results within the research group.

The position may involve short research visits and exchanges within the framework of Nordic collaboration (HALRIC). The work is primarily laboratory-based and follows standard working hours with some flexibility depending on experimental needs.

• You have a completed Masters degree (MSc) in molecular biology virology biophysics or a related field with a clear experimental focus.
• You have experience in analysing the mechanical properties of cancer cells or virus-infected cells.
• You have practical experience working with herpesvirus-infected cells in a laboratory environment.
• You have experience in analysing DNA replication in cells using TetO/TetR-based marker systems or equivalent reporter-based systems.
• You have experience in cell culture and experimental methods relevant to studies of viral or nuclear cell biology.
• You have a proven ability to work independently in complex experimental projects and to document analyse and interpret data in a structured manner.
• You have very good proficiency in English both spoken and written.

• It is considered a merit if you have experience in experimental work related to antiviral development particularly targeting herpesviruses.
• It is considered a merit if you have experience working with viral vectors for gene therapy such as AAV or lentivirus including production characterisation or quality analysis.
• It is considered a merit if you have experience with biophysical or mechanical measurement methods (e.g. AFM) or correlative experiments combining mechanical measurements with fluorescence microscopy.
• It is considered a merit if you have experience in AI-based or machine-learning-based cell and image analysis.
• It is considered a merit if you have advanced knowledge of nuclear mechanics chromatin organisation or nuclear architecture.
• It is considered a merit if you have experience working in interdisciplinary projects at the interface of cell biology virology biophysics and data analysis.
• It is considered a merit if you have previous experience in projects funded by national or international research grants.

The position is applied for via Lund Universitys recruitment system. The application should include a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how your qualifications and experience match the duties.

The application must also include a CV degree certificate or equivalent and any other documents you wish to submit such as academic transcripts contact details for references or letters of recommendation.

The Faculty of Medicine is a part of Lund University and is responsible for education and research within medicine and healthcare. Our academic programs are closely linked with the healthcare system and are firmly anchored in the facultys strong research tradition. Our research spans a broad field within experimental preclinical research near-patient clinical research and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine with its 1800 employees and 2700 students in Lund and Malmö is a knowledge-intensive meeting place for students teachers and researchers from all over the world.

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