Associate researcher in lung transplantation
Lund University · Lund · Temporary position · Deadline 2026-11-10
Lund University is hiring a full-time **associate researcher in lung transplantation** for a fixed-term appointment of two years, based at the Biomedical Centre in Lund with an intended start in January 2027. Serving as an initial academic career step, the position focuses on translational research investigating developmental signaling pathways, lung tissue repair, and post-transplant complications. The role involves **advanced CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing**, primary cell isolation and culture, and conducting experiments using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. In addition to planning studies, managing data, and drafting manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, duties include mentoring postdoctoral fellows, doctoral students, and master’s students. Applicants must hold a **doctoral degree or equivalent** in biochemistry, bioengineering, or cell and molecular biology completed by the time of decision. Selection mainly prioritizes candidates who earned their doctorate within three years of the application deadline, with extensions granted for parental leave, illness, clinical practice, or trade union commitments. Requirements include a background in translational research, lung transplantation, and large animal models, alongside practical experience with standard cellular and molecular biology techniques, primary cell handling, and CRISPR/Cas9 editing. Proven pedagogical ability and interdisciplinary collaboration skills are also assessed.
Organisation: Lund University, 009999 Lund University, 310000 MED
Description of workplace
The research is conducted at the Biomedical Centre (BMC) in Lund, near Skåne University Hospital. It is carried out within the Department of Clinical Sciences at Lund University, under the leadership of Associate professor Sandra Lindstedt. The focus lies on clinically oriented research concerning lung transplantation related research, post-transplant complications and lung regeneration.
Within our research group, we prioritize a good working environment based on mutual respect and care. We strive to create a workplace that is perceived as stimulating and conducive to both personal and professional development. We continuously work to foster a sense of joy, engagement, and inclusion among all team members, ensuring both physical safety and a supportive psychosocial work environment.
We offer
Lund University is a governmental authority, which means you get special benefits, generous holidays, and a favorable occupational pension. Read more on the university's website about being employed at Lund University, Work at Lund University
We are seeking a driven and highly motivated Associate researcher with the ability to work independently and further develop ongoing research projects. The position is full-time. The suggested start date is January 1, 2027, or as agreed upon.
Work description
The duties at the research unit primarily consist of laboratory-based research, with a particular focus on cell culture, cell isolation, and gene therapy.
The successful candidate will primarily work on a research project investigating the reactivation of developmental signaling pathways in lung disease, with a particular focus on lung tissue repair and regeneration. The research will employ a combination of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo approaches. The position has a strong translational focus, bridging experimental/preclinical research and clinical medicine, primarily within the fields of thoracic surgery and pulmonary medicine.
The main responsibilities include:
- Independently designing, planning, and conducting research within the project, as well as collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and managing data generated throughout the project.
- The project involves advanced CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, including tissue processing, protocol development and optimization, troubleshooting, and subsequent analysis and quantification.
- The work will also involve the isolation of cells from tissue and the characterization of both primary and commercially available cells, including analyses of proliferation, migration, immunocytochemistry (ICC), and related cellular functions.
- The position also includes responsibility for preparing high-quality scientific manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
- The majority of the work will be conducted independently, while also involving close collaboration with both internal and external members of the research team and other collaborators.
- In addition, the position includes mentorship and supervision of postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and Master's students.
Basis for assessment
This is a merit-based position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in the academic career, and the selection will be based primarily on scientific merit and potential as a researcher. Particular emphasis will be placed on demonstrated scientific skills within the subject area.
For postdoctoral appointments, the following shall form the basis for assessment:
- Proven ability to develop and conduct high-quality research
- Teaching and pedagogical ability
Additional qualifications will be assessed based on the following requirements for the position:
- PhD degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, bioengineering, or cell and molecular biology.
- Technical proficiency and scientific creativity in one or more of the following areas: lungtransplantation, large animal models, CRISPR and / or cell modification.
- Background in translational work, lung transplant and large animal models.
- Experience with standard cellular and molecular biology techniques, including Western blotting, ELISA, mass spectrometry, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and HPLC.
- Experience in the isolation, culture, and differentiation of primary cells.
- Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of primary cells, including mesenchymal cells.
The research project is interdisciplinary, therefore candidates with a broad competence profile spanning theses different areas are of special interest.
Meritorious qualifications:
- Ability to run and coordinate interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to carry out independent and high-quality research as documented through peer-reviewed publications.
- Documented Experience in mentoring and/or supervision.
- Good knowledge of clinical and translational lung transplantation.
- Developed gen modified cells for large animal models in lung transplantation.
- Hands-on experience of handling samples from patients and large animals.
- We look for a candidate that is highly motivated, positive and independent.
Eligibility
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. This eligibility requirement needs to be met no later than the time when the employment decision is made. We will mainly consider candidates who have completed their PhD degree no more than three (3) years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. These circumstances refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical work, positions of trust within trade union organizations or other similar circumstances.
Terms of employment
This is a full-time employment limited to 2 years. Preliminary start is the 1st of January 2027, or according to agreement. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral researcher”) between SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated November 19, 2021.
How to apply
The position is sought via the university's recruitment system. The application must include a personal letter (maximum two pages) in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position and how your research is connected to the COMBAT project. The application must also contain a CV, including a list of publications, a general description of previous research work (maximum one page), a copy of the doctorate and anything else you wish to refer to (copies of diplomas, grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.) as well as contact information for two references.
The Faculty of Medicine is a part of Lund University, and is responsible for education and research within medicine and healthcare. Our academic programs are closely linked with the healthcare system and are firmly anchored in the faculty’s strong research tradition. Our research spans a broad field within experimental preclinical research, near-patient clinical research and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine, with its 1,800 employees and 2,700 students in Lund and Malmö, is a knowledge-intensive meeting place for students, teachers and researchers from all over the world.
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Jobbfakta
Fält – Värde
Type of employment – Temporary position
Employment expires – 2028-12-31
Contract type – Full time
First day of employment – 2027-01-01
Number of positions – 1
Full-time equivalent – 100
City – Lund
County – Skåne län
Country – Sweden
Reference number – PA2026/2999
Contact – Sandra Lindstedt, Associated Professor, sandra.lindstedt@med.lu.se; Jessica Hörngren, HR-partner, jessica.horngren@med.lu.se
Union representative – OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-2229362; SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, kansli@saco-s.lu.se; SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-2229366
Published – 20.Oct.2026
Last application date – 10.Nov.2026