Project Assistant - Cell and Virus Mechanics for Antiviral Development

About the role

Lund University's Biomedical Center (BMC) in Lund, within the Neurobiology Section of the Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, is looking for a project assistant. The research group studies cell and virus biomechanics, focusing on nuclear mechanics and mechanoadaptation in disease models, and works with researchers in microbiology, atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, cell biology and data analysis. The position is fixed-term for six months at 100% intensity, starting 1 January 2027.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct experimental studies of nuclear mechanics in cancer cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM) combined with fluorescence microscopy, including cell culture, preparation of cells and isolated nuclei, force and stiffness measurements and correlative imaging.
• Contribute to method development and a new research line in cancer cell mechanics, optimising protocols, documenting workflows and analysing experimental data.
• Report and present results regularly within the research group.
• The work is primarily laboratory-based, follows standard working hours with some flexibility, and may involve short research visits and exchanges under the Nordic HALRIC collaboration.

Required profile

• MSc in molecular biology, virology, biophysics or a related field with a clear experimental focus.
• Experience analysing the mechanical properties of cancer cells or virus-infected cells.
• Practical experience with herpesvirus-infected cells in the lab.
• Experience analysing DNA replication with TetO/TetR-based or equivalent reporter systems.
• Experience in cell culture and methods for viral or nuclear cell biology.
• Ability to work independently on complex projects and to document, analyse and interpret data; very good spoken and written English.

Required skills

• Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Cell culture

What we offer

• Special benefits as a public authority employee: generous annual leave, parental leave and an occupational pension.
• A stimulating, international research environment with access to advanced infrastructure, including a newly installed BioAFM.
• Flexible working hours agreement supporting work-life balance.

Applications are made through Lund University's recruitment system, with a cover letter, CV, degree certificate and any other supporting documents.