Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked among the world's leading academic institutions. We have approximately 46,000 students and 8,500 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our mission to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of people.
About the Research Group
The Systems Virology Group is located at the Department of Translational Medicine and is led by Associate Professor Joakim Esbjörnsson. The group uses various experimental and bioinformatic methods to combine experimental and clinical data to explain how viruses establish infection and interact with their host environment. Specifically, different experimental model systems are used to study in detail how virus-host interactions regulate pathogenesis. Research is therefore often based on complex and multifaceted (often longitudinally collected) data that require advanced biostatistics and modeling. Additionally, identified important markers and regulators of disease progression are evaluated, along with their potential for new treatments or vaccines, functionally in various human cell and tissue model systems. You can read more about our exciting research here:
Within the research group, we value a good working environment based on respect and care in our relationships with one another. We strive to create a workplace that is perceived as developing and stimulating for all employees, and we continuously work to create conditions for job satisfaction, development, and participation for all staff. We care about both physical safety and the psychosocial work environment.
Duties and Areas of Responsibility
A postdoctoral position at Lund University is intended to provide opportunities for scientific and pedagogical qualification. Primarily, space is given for research qualification, but also for some higher education pedagogical training. Teaching may also be included in work duties.
In your role as a postdoctoral researcher, you will have a key role in further developing a model system based on human secondary lymphoid tissue (tonsillar tissue) that has previously been established in the laboratory. More specifically, the duties include tissue dissection and microtome sectioning, monitoring and optimization of tissue culture, cryostat sectioning, tissue staining, and analysis using ELISA and FACS. After optimization, the tissue will be infected with viruses and viral pathogenic effects will be studied using various molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., based on cell culture, virus titration, qPCR, and immunofluorescence). The generated data will be analyzed and presented using software such as R and Adobe Illustrator, compiled into reports, and finally by writing manuscripts submitted to scientific journals for review and publication. During the employment period, active participation in group meetings and project presentations (including your own presentations) is expected.
Qualifications
The position requires:
a doctoral degree or equivalent foreign degree.
The doctoral degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made.
good ability to develop and conduct research of high quality.
pedagogical ability.
relevant experience in cell biology, molecular biology (primarily PCR-based techniques), and virology.
excellent English proficiency, both oral and written.
we are looking for someone who is thorough, self-driven, and plans and executes your work independently. You should have the ability to work at a fast pace and make agile decisions based on evidence, with a good balance between pace, quality, and risk. Commitment to delivering high-quality results, managing challenges, and focusing on what creates value. Driven to continuously develop, learn new things, build competence, and share knowledge. Collaborative and open in your working approach.
Meritorious for the position:
particularly candidates who completed their degree at most three years before the application deadline.
knowledge of virus-host interactions and how these relate to disease development.
publications in well-renowned journals in the field of virology.
The evaluation of applicants will primarily be based on their scientific merits and potential as a researcher. Special emphasis will be placed on scientific ability within the subject area.
What We Offer
Lund University is a state agency, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension.
Read more on the university's website about working for us.
About the Position
The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years at 100%, with a start date of October 1, 2026, or by agreement. Employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden; you are therefore expected to be able to perform your work on-site in Malmö.
Postdoctoral employment is time-limited to a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years in accordance with the collective agreement on fixed-term postdoctoral employment (Swedish Agency for Government Employers). A postdoctoral position is intended as an initial step in your career and an opportunity to further deepen and broaden your research competence.
How to Apply
Applications for the position are submitted through the university's recruitment system. Your application must include a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the position matches your qualifications. The application must also include a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and any other relevant materials you wish to include (copies of grades, reference contacts, recommendation letters, etc.).
Open to All
We focus on your skills, not your other circumstances. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked among the world's leading academic institutions. We have approximately 46,000 students and 8,500 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our mission to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of people.
About the Research Group
The Systems Virology Group is located at the Department of Translational Medicine and is led by Associate Professor Joakim Esbjörnsson. The group uses various experimental and bioinformatic methods to combine experimental and clinical data to explain how viruses…