Project Assistant in Cell and Virus Mechanics

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading academic institutions. We have approximately 46,000 students and 8,500 staff members in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our commitment to understand, explain, and improve our world and people's conditions. Workplace Description The position is located at BMC (Biomedical Center) in Lund, specifically within the Neurobiology section at the Department of Experimental Medical Sciences (EMV). The research group works experimentally with cell and virus biomechanics, with a focus on nuclear mechanics and mechanoadaptation in disease models. The mission of the group is to conduct advanced interdisciplinary research at the intersection of cell biology, biophysics, and microscopy. The group is part of the Neurobiology section which combines expertise in molecular cell biology, mechanobiology, advanced microscopy, and biotechnology to understand cellular mechanisms in normal function and disease. The Project Assistant will become an integrated part 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 has modern laboratory facilities and access to advanced infrastructure for cell and molecular biological experiments. The group is characterized by an open, international, and collaborative work approach. We actively work for a good work environment through clear supervision, regular check-ins, realistic workload, and an inclusive culture where knowledge exchange and work satisfaction are prioritized. The project is also part of a Nordic research collaboration within the framework of HALRIC, with close cooperation between partner laboratories. We Offer Lund University is a state authority, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension. Beyond that, we offer a stimulating and international research environment with access to advanced research infrastructure, including newly installed BioAFM. We have a flexible working time agreement that creates good conditions for balance between work and leisure, as well as a work climate characterized by collaboration, clear supervision, and good opportunities for professional development. Read more on the university's website about working with us: Jobba hos oss. Work Tasks and Responsibilities You will have special responsibility for conducting experimental studies of cancer cell nuclear mechanics using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in combination with fluorescence microscopy. The work includes cell culture, preparation of cells and isolated cell nuclei, AFM-based force and stiffness measurements, and correlative imaging. You will also contribute to method development and initiation of a new research direction within cancer cell mechanics, including protocol optimization, documentation of workflows, and analysis of experimental data. The work takes place in close collaboration with researchers in cell biology, biophysics, and microscopy, and includes regular reporting and presentation of results within the research group. The employment may include short research trips and exchanges within the framework of Nordic collaboration (HALRIC). The work is primarily laboratory-based and follows normal working hours, with some flexibility depending on experimental needs. Qualifications Requirements for the position are: - You have a completed Master's degree (MSc) in molecular biology, virology, biophysics, or a related field with clear experimental focus. - You have experience analyzing the mechanical properties of cancer cells or virus-infected cells. - You have practical experience working with herpesvirus-infected cells in a laboratory environment. - You have experience with DNA replication analysis in cells using TetO/TetR-based marker systems or equivalent reporter-based systems. - You have experience with cell culture and experimental methods relevant to studies of virus or cell nucleus biology. - You have good skills in working independently on complex experimental projects and in documenting, analyzing, and interpreting data in a structured manner. - You have excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written. Meritorious for the position: - Experience with experimental work related to antiviral development, particularly against herpesvirus. - Experience with working with viral vectors for gene therapy, such as AAV or lentivirus, including production, characterization, or quality analysis. - Experience with biophysical or mechanical measurement methods (e.g., AFM) or correlative experiments where mechanical measurements are combined with fluorescence microscopy. - Experience with AI-based or machine learning-based cell and image analysis. - In-depth knowledge of nuclear mechanics, chromatin organization, or nuclear architecture. - Experience working on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of cell biology, virology, biophysics, and data analysis. - Previous experience with projects funded by national or international research funding. Other Information The employment is a fixed-term position at 100% for the period 2026-10-01 through 3037-03-31. Open to Everyone We focus on your qualifications, not your other circumstances. We are open to adapting the role or workplace according to your needs.

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