Research Engineer at Lund Protein Production Platform

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked as one of the world's leading academic institutions. There are approximately 46,000 students and 8,500 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our endeavor to understand, explain, and improve our world and human conditions.

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

Tasks

Lund Protein Production Platform (LP3) is a faculty-wide center at Lund University for protein production, characterization, crystallography, and structure determination. LP3 is a node within the national research infrastructure Protein Production Sweden (PPS) and has close collaboration with researchers from the MAX IV laboratory and European Spallation Source ERIC.

You will play an important role at LP3. Tasks include equipment maintenance, project planning, client contact, and administration. You will also work experimentally on a project basis, as well as maintain a continuous dialogue with the researcher/client and with LP3 colleagues. You are expected to take responsibility and drive projects with great independence. The laboratory tasks include:

• Developing and optimizing expression systems for each project.
• Developing and optimizing protein purification systems for each project.
• Scaling up existing protocols for protein expression and purification.
• Analyzing protein samples for quality control and protocol optimization.
• Expressing and purifying proteins to predetermined quality and quantity within predetermined timeframes.
• Maintaining a cell culture laboratory with special responsibility for insect cells.
• Developing new methods for biological deuteration.
• Conducting neutron and X-ray scattering experiments if necessary.
• Analyzing, documenting, and reporting experimental data.
• Laboratory supervision of visiting researchers.
• Continuous communication and dialogue with LP3 users.
• Administrative tasks such as ordering, invoicing, etc.
• Maintaining the latest knowledge of techniques and current literature to adapt and/or develop new methods and experiments.

Requirements

The successful candidate is a skilled life-science practitioner with a good sense of service, who is attracted to laboratory-based projects in an environment characterized by teamwork and clear timeframes.

• Ph.D. in biomedicine, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, or other relevant subjects.
• Experience and deep understanding of working with the techniques behind protein production and characterization.
• Experience and deep understanding of working with the use of deuterated biomolecules and contrast.
• Several years of experience in multi-step protein purification of recombinant protein for structural and/or functional studies.
• Experience in cultivation and protein production in E. coli and with BEVS.
• Experience with analytical techniques for biophysical and biochemical characterization (e.g., SDS-PAGE, SEC, MS, UV-VIS, UV-CD).
• Experience in learning and developing new techniques within protein production, deuteration, and biophysical characterization.
• Experience in ensuring a well-organized and safe laboratory environment.
• Good computer skills in Windows and with systems used within LP3 (e.g., Office package, ilab, SnapGene, FPLC software).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Experience in presenting results and methods in report and presentation form.

Other merits:

• Experience of SANS and SAXS and data processing of SANS and SAXS experiments.
• Experience in cultivation of pro- and eukaryotic cells in bioreactors.
• Experience in project planning and implementation.

We will place great emphasis on personal suitability. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant's experience and competence complement and strengthen LP3's operations. We also emphasize the applicant's ability to be an effective team player, to be user- and service-oriented, and to have experience in contributing to the learning of others.

Terms

Employment form: Fixed-term employment for 6 months

Extent: 100 %

Location: Lund Protein Production Platform (LP3), Biologihus A, Lund

Commencement: Commencement as soon as possible on November 15, 2026, or by agreement.

Contact

Dr. Wolfgang Knecht

Senior Lecturer & Manager LP3

Lund University

Department of Biology, Molecular Biosciences

Sölvegatan 35

22362 Lund, Sweden

+46 46 2227785

Wolfgang.Knecht@biol.lu.se;

www.lu.se/lp3

Instructions for application

Your application must be submitted electronically via the recruitment system Varbi. The application shall contain the following documents/attachments:

• Cover letter (tell us on one page about yourself, your background, and your motivation in a way that shows you are the right person for the job.). We encourage you to specify and justify your salary expectations.
• CV (personal details, education, work experience/research experience, language skills, and other skills relevant to the position).
• A certified/signed copy of Ph.D. degree.
• List of publications (if applicable).
• At least two references (Including title/position, name, contact details, and the person's connection to you).

At the Faculty of Science, research and education are conducted in astronomy, biology, physics, geosciences, chemistry, medical radiation physics, environmental science, and physical geography. Operations are conducted within the northern university area. The faculty has approximately 1,900 students, 330 doctoral students, and 730 employees.

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