Project Assistant in Microbiome Analysis

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading universities. It has approximately 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We unite in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of people.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles for all parts of our operations.

Workplace Description

Research at Lund University is conducted within an interdisciplinary research group with expertise in structural biology, genetic modification, bioinformatics, microbiology, and sequencing technologies.

The group collaborates with researchers in environmental microbiology and medical research to develop innovative methods for microbiome analysis. We are an open, independent, and tolerant research group that values diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration. The position may involve travel to Copenhagen as needed.

We Offer

Lund University is a government agency, which means you will receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension.

• A dynamic research environment with access to advanced sequencing technology.
• The opportunity to work in an international team with expertise in bioinformatics and microbiology.

Read more on the university's website about being employed with us here (https://www.lu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss).

Job Responsibilities and Duties

• Perform DNA sequencing analyses using Oxford Nanopore technology.
• Build and optimize pipelines for bioinformatic analysis of metagenomic data.
• Conduct taxonomic classification and identify eCIS clusters in microbial communities.
• Analyze antibiotic resistance genes and their spread patterns.
• Publish research results in scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Collaborate with the research team to develop innovative methods for microbiome analysis.

Qualifications

The position involves work within a research project aimed at identifying and analyzing Extracellular Contractile Injection Systems (eCIS) in wastewater and the human microbiome. The research group operates in an interdisciplinary environment with expertise in bioinformatics, microbiology, and sequencing technologies.

As a project assistant, you will be responsible for DNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing using Oxford Nanopore technology. You will analyze metagenomic data and develop pipelines to identify microbial communities, antibiotic resistance genes, and eCIS clusters. The position involves close collaboration with researchers in wastewater research, microbiome studies, and bioinformatics.

Requirements for Employment:

• Master's degree in bioinformatics, microbiology, biotechnology, or a related field.
• Experience in sequencing data analysis and bioinformatics tools (e.g., Kraken2, Prokka, BLAST).
• Experience working with Python, R, and Unix-based systems.
• Ability to independently drive research and analyze large datasets.
• Good communication skills and experience collaborating in interdisciplinary teams.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with Oxford Nanopore sequencing and library preparation.
• Knowledge of machine learning for metagenomic data analysis.
• Experience writing scientific publications and grant applications.
• Previous work in antibiotic resistance research.

Other

The position is a specific fixed-term employment at 100% for one year.

Desired start date is 2025-06-01 or by agreement.

How to Apply

• Personal letter describing your motivation and how your experience matches the position.
• CV, including a list of publications.
• Degree certificate and relevant certificates.
• Contact information for at least two references.

The Faculty of Medicine is an operational area within Lund University, responsible for education and research in medicine, care, and health. Education is conducted in close collaboration with healthcare and is well anchored in the faculty's strong research tradition. The faculty's research spans a wide field within experimental basic research, patient-oriented clinical research, and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine, with over 1800 employees and 2700 students in Lund, Malmö, and Helsingborg, is an intensive knowledge meeting place for students, teachers, and researchers from around the world.

We kindly ask all contacts from advertisement sellers, recruitment, and staffing companies to refrain from contacting us due to government procurement regulations.