Postdoctoral Position in Biophysics

Lund University

University: Lund University
Faculty / Department: Experimental Medical Science
Reference number: PA2026/115

About Lund University

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Description of the Project

A motivated postdoctoral researcher is sought to work on the molecular mechanisms underlying amyloid formation from the protein transthyretin. Transthyretin normally functions as a transporter protein of thyroxine and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. However, the folded protein is prone to instability and the formation of amyloid fibrils in tissues such as the heart and nervous system, invariably with fatal consequences.

The project will focus on probing the molecular factors underlying this instability (see for example https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-08609-z/) and in understanding the pathway that link the functional and pathological forms of the protein.

Techniques involved will include:

• X-ray and neutron crystallography
• Small-angle scattering (SAXS & SANS)
• Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)

The work will involve the study of wild-type TTR (which is intrinsically amyloidogenic) and a range of other mutants associated with early onset amyloidosis in various tissues. The work may involve comparative studies with amyloid material derived from ex vivo sources.

Description of the Workplace

The Molecular Biophysics group is part of the Department of Experimental Medical Science within the Faculty of Medicine at Lund University and is led by Professor Trevor Forsyth.

The group uses biophysical techniques to study biomolecular systems in crystals, solutions and partially ordered systems, with particular emphasis on:

• X-ray and neutron diffraction
• Cryo-EM
• A wide range of complementary biophysical techniques

The group is located close to the MAX IV and ESS facilities in Lund, providing access to state-of-the-art synchrotron, neutron and cryo-EM infrastructure. The group also makes extensive use of ESRF and ILL in Grenoble, France, and DESY in Hamburg, Germany.

Professor Forsyth leads the LINXS Advanced Study Institute at the Science Village (https://www.linxs.se/) located between MAX IV and ESS, offering access to highly interdisciplinary science in life sciences, soft matter and hard matter.

Work Duties and Responsibilities

You will be expected to work independently and with high proficiency in:

• Protein expression, purification and crystallization
• Biophysical characterization (purity, yield, stability)
• Crystallographic diffraction data collection
• Data processing, structure solution and refinement using standard software

The position may require travel to institutes including ILL (France), DESY (Hamburg), and other centers as required. Participation in national and international workshops and conferences may also be required.

Description of the AMBER Project Context

This postdoctoral position is part of the EU cofund research project AMBER – Advanced Multiscale Biological Imaging using European Research Infrastructures, coordinated by LINXS Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science.

AMBER is funded by the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) COFUND scheme.

Around 15 postdocs will be recruited in the fifth call 2025, with each fellowship lasting 36 months.

AMBER’s six core partners are:

• Lund University / MAX IV, Sweden
• European Spallation Source (ESS), Sweden
• European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
• Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), France
• International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines (IMOL), Poland
• Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, United Kingdom

Your work may include clinical and biomedical projects and technique development aimed at integrating imaging techniques and data analysis.

For more information on all AMBER postdoctoral positions, visit:
https://www.euraxess.se/jobs/392999

Interviews will start in April/May 2026.
More information about AMBER and the application process is available at:
https://www.ambercofund.eu

Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

• Maximum of eight years after completion of a doctoral degree (PhD), in accordance with the EU Grant Agreement
• At least one original publication in a peer-reviewed journal
• Background in relevant methods
• Complete application submitted through the AMBER portal (including CV and detailed research plan)
• Compliance with the MSCA mobility rule

Additional requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in physical sciences, biological sciences or another relevant field
• PhD or equivalent degree in physical sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology or a related subject
• Competence in protein expression and purification
• Competence in X-ray and/or neutron diffraction and associated data analysis
• Ability to conduct high-quality research
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

Personal skills are of importance. Applicants must be structured, independent, and possess good social skills.

The assessment will primarily be based on scientific merit and research potential, with particular emphasis on scientific ability within the subject area.

We Offer

Lund University is a governmental authority offering special benefits, generous holidays and a favorable occupational pension. A flexible working-time agreement supports a healthy work–life balance.

More information about working at Lund University is available at: Work with us.

About the Employment

• Fixed-term employment of three years
• Extent: 100%
• Start date: 1 September 2026 or as agreed
• Employment is based in Lund, Sweden and requires on-site presence

The position is intended as an initial step in a research career and an opportunity to deepen and broaden research expertise.

Instructions on How to Apply

Further information, templates and Europass links are available at:
https://www.ambercofund.eu/for-applicants

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications must be written in English and submitted in PDF format.

Required documents:

i) Curriculum Vitae (Europass format)
ii) Detailed research plan (max. 3 pages, including abstract)
iii) Letter of Commitment from additional secondment partners
iv) Evidence of English proficiency (minimum CEFR B2)
v) Draft Individual Career Development Plan (ICDP)
vi) Two reference letters
vii) Supporting documents
viii) Ethical questionnaire

In addition:

ix) Applicants may apply for a maximum of three positions. A ranked list of preferences must be sent to AMBER management at amber@linxs.se

Employment Details

• Type of employment: Temporary position
• Contract type: Full-time
• Employment expires: 31 Aug. 2029
• First day of employment: 01 Sept. 2026
• Salary: Monthly salary
• Number of positions: 1
• Full-time equivalent: 100%
• City: Lund
• County: Skåne län
• Country: Sweden