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

• Dr. Anna Munke: anna.munke@biochemistry.lu.se | +46 46 222 0000
• Jessica Edwinsson: jessica.edwinsson@kilu.lu.se

Union Representatives:

• OFR/ST: st@st.lu.se | +46 46 222 9362
• SACO: kansli@saco-s.lu.se
• SEKO: sekocivil@seko.lu.se | +46 46 222 9366