Project Assistant in Cell and Virus Mechanics for Antiviral Development and Improved Gene Therapy Vector Production (PA2026/2396)

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 workplace

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.

Benefits

Lund University is a government agency, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favourable occupational pension. 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 work–life balance, and a workplace climate characterized by collaboration, clear supervision, and strong opportunities for professional development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental studies of nuclear mechanics in cancer cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in combination with fluorescence microscopy.
• Perform cell culture, preparation of cells and isolated nuclei, AFM-based force and stiffness measurements, and correlative imaging.
• 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.
• Work in close collaboration with researchers in cell biology, biophysics, and microscopy, including regular reporting and presentation of results within the research group.
• Participate in 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.

Requirements

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

Qualifications

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

Schedule

Full-time fixed-term employment from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.