Projektassistant within research in Enzymatic Conversion of Antithrombin

Workplace description
The position is located at the Department of Laboratory Medicine within the Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, and is associated with research activities focusing on inflammatory and infection-related mechanisms in translational biomedicine. The research is led by Professor Heiko Herwald and conducted in close collaboration with a senior researcher and external partners, such as Octapharma. The workplace is situated in the BMC building in Lund (C14), where modern laboratories and a dynamic research environment provide excellent conditions for advanced experimental work. The research environment is characterized by scientific integrity, technical support, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

What We Offer
Lund University is a government agency, which means you are entitled to special benefits, generous vacation time, and a favorable occupational pension. We also have a flexitime agreement that supports a good work-life balance. Read more on the university’s website: Work at Lund University.

Work Duties and Responsibilities
You will provide laboratory support within an externally funded research project aiming to optimize the enzymatic conversion of α- to β-antithrombin and to analyze its biological functions. Your main tasks will include:

• Performing and optimizing deglycosylation reactions with PNGase F, Endo H, and Endo D under varying conditions (enzyme concentration, time, temperature, and buffer).
• Analyzing protein structure and quantifying β-antithrombin using SDS-PAGE and ELISA.
• Conducting functional analyses in cellular models, including measurement of NF-κB activation in LPS-stimulated THP1-Blue™ cells, as well as antibacterial tests against E. coli.
• Managing buffer systems, sample preparation, pipetting, and documentation according to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Independently planning and performing experiments in consultation with the responsible researcher.

The work is closely linked to an ongoing contract research collaboration with Octapharma and requires high precision, strong documentation skills, and the ability to work independently in an experimental setting.

Qualifications
Requirements for the position:

• A bachelor’s degree in biomedical laboratory science or equivalent, awarded no more than 1 year ago.
• A completed thesis on enzymatic conversion of α- to β-antithrombin.
• Documented experience with enzymatic deglycosylation of glycoproteins, including practical work with PNGase F, Endo H, and Endo D. Experience with protein analysis using SDS-PAGE and ELISA specifically for β-antithrombin quantification.
• Experience with functional inflammation assays in THP1-Blue™ cells (NF-κB activation) and antibacterial testing against E. coli.
• Experience working according to GLP with careful documentation of experimental results.
• Strong ability to work independently in a laboratory environment as well as to plan and conduct experiments in close consultation with the responsible researcher.
• Experience collaborating in contract research projects with industrial partners, particularly Octapharma.

Merit for the position:

• Experience optimizing enzymatic reaction conditions (e.g., enzyme concentration, incubation time, and temperature) in connection with antithrombin deglycosylation.
• Experience semi-quantitatively assessing bacterial growth and analyzing anti-inflammatory activity using SEAP-based reporter systems.
• Experience handling buffer systems and sample preparation for anticoagulation-related protein analyses.
• Documented ability to orally and in writing present laboratory results in English.
• Previous experience working in BMC’s laboratory environment in Lund. 

Further information
The position is a special fixed-term employment (SÄVA) at full time (100%) for 9 months with start from 2025-09-01 or according to agreement. 

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the university’s recruitment system. The application should include.

• A personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how it matches your qualifications.
• A CV, degree certificate, and any other documents you wish to refer to (copies of grades, contact details for references, letters of recommendation, etc.). 

We welcome your application!