Project Assistant in Cancer Cell Mechanics

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading universities. It has around 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

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, focusing on nuclear mechanics and mechanoadaptation in disease models.

The mission of the operation is to drive 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 be an integral part of this research environment and will work closely with senior and junior researchers with complementary skills in 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 biology experiments.

The group is characterized by an open, international, and collaborative approach. We actively work for a good working environment through clear guidance, regular check-ins, realistic workloads, and an inclusive culture where knowledge exchange and joy at work 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 government authority, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension.

Lund University is a government authority, which means that as an employee, you receive special benefits such as generous vacation, parental leave, and a favorable occupational pension.

With us, you will also be offered a stimulating and international research environment with access to advanced research infrastructure, including newly installed BioAFM. We have a flexible working hours agreement that creates good conditions for balancing work and leisure, as well as a work climate characterized by collaboration, clear guidance, and good opportunities for professional development. 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

You will have particular 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 nuclei, AFM-based force and stiffness measurements, and correlative imaging.

You will also contribute to method development and the initiation of a new research track in cancer cell mechanics, including optimization of protocols, documentation of workflows, and analysis of experimental data. The work is carried out in close collaboration with researchers in cell biology, biophysics, and microscopy, and includes regular reporting and presentation of results within the research group.

The position may involve shorter 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:

• A completed master's degree (MSc) in molecular biology or a related field with a clear experimental focus.
• Documented experience in analyzing the mechanical properties of cancer cells or virus-infected cells.
• Practical experience working with herpes virus-infected cells in a laboratory environment.
• Experience in DNA replication analysis in cells using TetO/TetR-based marker systems or equivalent reporter-based systems.
• Good ability to work independently in complex experimental projects and to document, analyze, and interpret data in a structured manner.
• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.

Desirable qualifications for the position are:

• Experience in AI-based or machine learning-based cell and image analysis.
• Experience in correlative experiments where mechanical measurements are combined with fluorescence microscopy.
• In-depth knowledge of nuclear mechanics, chromatin organization, or nuclear architecture.
• Experience working on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of cell biology, biophysics, and data analysis.
• Previous experience with projects funded by national or international research grants.

Other

The position is a fixed-term appointment for one year at 100 percent, with a start date of February 10, 2026, or by agreement, but no later than February 9, 2027.

How to Apply

The position is applied for via Lund University's recruitment system. The application should include a personal letter describing your interest in the position and how your qualifications and experiences match the job responsibilities.

The application should also include a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and any other documents you wish to submit, such as transcripts, references, or letters of recommendation.

More Information about the Faculty of Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine is an area of activity within Lund University, responsible for education and research in medicine, care, and health. Education takes place 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-centered clinical research, and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine, with over 1,800 employees and 2,700 students in Lund, Malmö, and Helsingborg, is an intensive knowledge meeting place for students, teachers, and researchers from all over the world.

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