Researcher in Structural biology

Work duties

The position is based in Dr. Anna Munke’s research group. The group focuses on structural studies of viruses, primarily using electron microscopy, complemented by other methods to understand structure and function.

The project involves structural studies of diatom viruses with the aim of increasing knowledge about the virus factories formed inside diatoms. The work includes cultivation of diatoms for virus infection, characterization of infection (e.g., using electron microscopy and determination of virus titers), purification of viruses and cellular components, and structure determination using cryo-electron microscopy. You are also expected to take an active role in the group’s overall research activities, including general laboratory tasks, responsibility for equipment, and assisting in the supervision of PhD students and project students.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must have:

• A PhD in a relevant subject, such as microbiology, biochemistry, or structural biology.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented practical experience in structure determination using cryo-electron microscopy.
• Documented practical experience working with viruses.
• Documented practical experience in cultivating prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic algae.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

Practical experience in the following areas is highly meritorious:

• In situ structure determination using cryo-electron tomography.
• Cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of proteins.
• Supervision of students.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

The position is full-time (100%) and temporary for 7 months, with a desired start date of April 1, 2026, or as agreed.

Contact person: Anna Munke, anna.munke@chem.lu.se, +46 736 28 87 37

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than two pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.