Vacant job

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked among the world's leading universities. There are approximately 46,000 students and 8,500 staff members in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our strive to understand, explain, and improve our world and people's conditions.

The Department of Process and Applied Biochemistry (PLE) at Lund University is located at Kemicentrum, one of the largest centers in Scandinavia for education and research in chemistry. PLE has approximately 150 employees, of whom about 65 are doctoral students. The department offers broad expertise in areas such as chemical engineering, food technology, biotechnology, and technical microbiology. Research and education at PLE span the entire field of chemistry and include both undergraduate and graduate education.

The Department of Process and Applied Biochemistry (PLE) at Lund University actively works to ensure a good working environment through several initiatives and routines. PLE encourages open communication and collaboration between employees, students, and management to continuously improve the work environment. This includes regular meetings and dialogues to discuss work environment issues and find common solutions.

Description of the workplace

This project is a collaboration between the Division of Food and Pharmacy, PLE, and the Division of Applied Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, LTH. The position is located at the Division of Food and Pharmacy, where research and education are conducted based on a technical and scientific foundation to address societal questions.

You will be part of three research groups with strong research profiles in nutrition, microbiology, and gut health related to foods with health benefits. The work involves studies using the dynamic in vitro model SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem), the INFOGEST model (static simulation of gastrointestinal digestion), and the 3D tissue model for the gut (the EpiIntestinal 3D human model). SHIME and INFOGEST are used to simulate different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, enabling studies of nutrient breakdown and absorption, as well as how different foods and components affect the gut flora. Through the in vitro 3D tissue model, gut functions such as permeability, immune response, and tissue regeneration can also be studied.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation time, and a favorable occupational pension.

Read more on the university's website about being employed by us

Tasks and responsibilities

As a project assistant, you will work experimentally with laboratory research related to the project. The tasks include, among other things:

• Conducting in vitro studies with simulated gut models. The tasks include method optimization, conducting studies, sample handling, standardization, and generating high-quality data.
• Evaluating the health effects of plant-based foods and food components, specifically regarding gut breakdown and uptake, gut permeability, and gut flora composition.
• Identifying the microbiota in human samples using Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatics.

Qualifications

Requirements for the position are:

• Current or recently completed studies in a civil engineering program in biotechnology with a focus on food, a master's degree in food technology and nutrition, biotechnology, molecular biology, or equivalent.
• Good knowledge of gastrointestinal physiology and nutrition, and practical experience with basic microbiological and molecular methods, such as culturing and PCR-based techniques.
• Very good knowledge of English in speech and writing.

Merits for the position are:

• Experience with Next Generation Sequencing and associated bioinformatics.
• Experience with in vitro gut models.
• Knowledge of immunological functions in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Knowledge and experience with food processes and analyses.
• Knowledge and experience working with plant-based foods.
• Good ability to write scientific literature.
• Teaching experience.

Attention will also be paid to engagement, independence, and good communication and collaboration skills. Great importance will also be placed on how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to complement and strengthen the scientific work in the research groups where the person will work.

Other

The employment is a fixed-term appointment for one year at 100 percent, starting on August 1, 2026, or as agreed.

How to apply

The application should include a CV and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the position matches your merits. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent, as well as any other documents you wish to submit (copies of grades, contact details for references, recommendation letters, etc.).

We look forward to receiving your application!

LTH – Lund Institute of Technology – is part of Lund University. At LTH, we educate people, build knowledge for the future, and work hard to develop society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative development in technology, architecture, and design. Nearly 12,000 students study here. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 dissertations and 2,000 scientific findings. A number of research results and student projects are refined into innovations. Together, we explore and create – for the benefit of the world.

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