Postdoctoral researcher in Clinical microbiology (PA2026/2350)

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.

About The Research Group

The Clinical Microbiology Research Group conducts research in the field of microbiology and has for many years been at the forefront of research in this area. The group is led by Professor K. Riesbeck and consists of research and technical staff. The research activities are based at the Wallenberg Laboratory in Malmö.

Within the research group, we are committed to maintaining a positive working environment characterized by mutual respect and consideration. We strive to provide a workplace that is stimulating and offers opportunities for professional development for all employees. We continuously work to create conditions that promote job satisfaction, professional growth, and active participation. We place great importance on both physical safety and a healthy psychosocial work environment.

Project Description

The project aims to investigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Gram-negative bacteria, with a particular focus on identifying mechanisms of resistance to clinically important antibiotics. Bacterial isolates will be analysed using microbiological and molecular biology methods. The results will be used to characterise the prevalence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. The overall aim is to contribute to improved diagnostics, treatment, and surveillance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct research focusing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with particular emphasis on Gram-negative bacteria.
• Perform experimental laboratory work, including cultivation and characterisation of bacterial isolates, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and analysis of antibiotic susceptibility.
• Conduct bioinformatic analysis of genomic data, including analysing and interpreting sequencing data to characterise bacterial isolates, identify genes and genetic mechanisms associated with antimicrobial resistance, and investigate genetic relationships and patterns of dissemination among isolates.
• Integrate microbiological, phenotypic, and genomic data to address the research questions of the projects.
• Play an active role in the planning, implementation, and coordination of research projects, as well as in the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research findings.
• Coordinate a collaborative research project with researchers in Ukraine, including scientific communication, coordination of project activities, follow-up of project components, and coordination of sample and data flows between collaborating partners.
• Supervise Master's students, other students, and doctoral students in their research projects, including laboratory work, data analysis, and bioinformatics.
• Contribute actively to the scientific development of the research group by initiating and developing new research questions, preparing scientific publications, and writing and contributing to national and international research grant applications.
• Participate in teaching and other educational activities, as well as training in higher education teaching and learning.

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree (PhD) in molecular microbiology or another closely related field considered relevant to the position by the employer.
• Documented experience of experimental laboratory work in microbiology and molecular biology.
• Experience in cultivation and characterisation of bacteria, including assays examining virulence (e.g., complement resistance) and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Experience with molecular methods for studying antimicrobial resistance, particularly pandrug resistant (PDR) bacteria.
• Experience in bioinformatic analysis, particularly the analysis and interpretation of genomic and/or sequencing data.
• Experience of animal experiments.
• Excellent skills in English speech and writing.
• Documented experience of publishing scientific research in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent ability to communicate scientific results in spoken and written English.
• Ability to work independently and to plan, conduct, and coordinate research projects.
• Ability to develop and carry out research of high quality.
• Pedagogical skills.

Merits For The Position

Priority will be given to applicants who obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline.

Benefits

Lund University is a public authority, which means that you will receive particular benefits, generous annual leave, and a favourable occupational pension scheme.

Schedule

The position is a full-time, fixed-term appointment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years. Preliminary start date is 2026-10-01, or by agreement.

Reference number: PA2026/2350