Post doctor fellow within Lung Bioengineering and Regeneration - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the work place

The research group for Lung Bioengineering and Regeneration conducts research in lung bioengineering and regeneration and conducts cutting edge research in the field. The group is led by senior lecturer Darcy Wagner and consists of both research and technical staff. The group is located at the Biomedical Center in Lund. Here you can read more about our exciting research: here

Within the research group, we safeguard a good work environment with respect and consideration in our relationships with each other. We value a workplace that is perceived as equitable, developing and stimulating for all employees. We constantly work to create conditions for job satisfaction, development and inclusive participation for all of our diverse members.

We are looking for a driven postdoctoral fellow to work with advanced 3D models of lung to understand regenerative processes in normal conditions and disease states. The employment is full-time 100% with the desired start date on 15 October 2025 or by agreement.

Project description

Multi-drug resistant bacterial infections, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa represent a significant global health care burden and disproportionately impact patients who are immunocomprised which make them more susceptible to opportunistic pathogens. These infections impact a broad range of patients including those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, organ transplant recipients, and those with chronic respiratory diseases. P. aeruginosa has been listed on the World Health Organization’s list of priority pathogens for at least a decade and was recently included as one of 15 pathogen families listed on the WHO’s Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL) 2024. There is an urgent need to increase research on P. aeruginosa to identify new therapies.

This project aims to develop a new humanized model of airway organoids which represent a more physiological path of infection. We will generate apical-out airway organoids (i.e. the upper layer of the epithelial cells will face out towards the media instead of inwards like conventional organoids). We will utilize induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to derive proximal and/or distal airway progenitor cells and develop custom microfluidic devices for longer term culture with live bacteria. The use of iPSCs is particularly important in this proof-of-concept grant as it opens up future possibilities to study more diverse patient phenotypes, especially among those patients who have underlying comorbidities and who may not undergo invasive bronchoscopy procedures where primary airway cells could be sourced (e.g. diabetes, cancer patients, etc).

Work tasks and responsibilities 

At Lund University, a postdoctoral position should provide opportunities for scientific and pedagogical qualifications. Primarily, there is scope for qualifications in research, but also for some higher education pedagogical training. Teaching may also be part of the job duties.

The holder of this position will mainly work on a research project pertaining to the development of a 3D lung on a chip to study lung and airway infection using a combination of biomaterials and manufacturing advances.

The main work responsibilities involve designing and conducting research pertaining to the project and includes obtaining, analysing and developing ways to manage and store data acquired for the project. Further, the holder of this position will be responsible for writing of high quality, academic papers to be submitted to international journals and submitting both independent grants and contributing to grant writing for the group. The majority of this work should be done independently and in collaboration with both internal and external members of the team. The position also entails some teaching and mentoring of doctoral, masters, bachelor and medical students.

Qualifications

Necessary Qualifications:

• PhD (or equivalent) in cell and molecular biology, bioengineering, or biotechnology from no more than three years ago
• Ability to carry out independent and high-quality research as documented through the thesis and peer-reviewed publications
• Pedagogic ability
• The project is collaborative and therefore the person should be driven, independent, able to collaborate, and take initiative
• Experience with both hands-on development and usage of 3D models for studying lung disease and regeneration
• Experience with rotational bioreactors for lung cell expansion
• Experience with fabrication of microcarriers from hydrogels such as alginate
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in English
• Experience in mentoring and/or supervision

Meritorious

Priority will be given to applicants who have completed their degree no more than three years before the application deadline.

• Background in lung biology
• Experience with common cell and molecular biology techniques
• Experience with (bio)printing
• The research project is interdisciplinary, therefore candidates with a broad competence profile spanning these different areas are of particular interest.
• The assessment of applicants will be based primarily on their scientific merit and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on scientific ability within the subject area.

Vi erbjuder

Lund University is a government agency, which means you get special benefits, generous vacation and a favorable occupational pension.

Lund University has generous support for parental leave and favorable offers around exercise and wellness

The position will be part of the IGNITE program, sponsored by the Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, which offers a world-class educational environment with other interdisciplinary trainees: WCMM

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About the positon

The position is a fixed-term position for two years, 100% with a start date of October 15 or as agreed. Employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden, you are therefore expected to be able to perform your work on site in Lund

The position is limited in time to at least two years, maximum three years according to the collective agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher (Arbetsgivarverket). A postdoctoral position is intended as an initial step in your career and as an opportunity to further deepen and broaden your research skills.

How to apply

The position is applied for via the university's recruitment system. The application should include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the position matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate, CV or equivalent, and any other information you wish to provide (copies of grades, references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

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