Project assistant within Molecular Biophysics

Description of the Research Group

You will be based at the Faculty of Medicine in Lund. The Molecular Biophysics group is located at the Biomedical Center (BMC) at Lund University and is led by Professor Trevor Forsyth.

Research in the group is organised around two main themes. The first focuses on the use of large-scale scientific facilities to elucidate the structure and biological function of endogenous biomolecules, such as amyloids, and their roles in disease, including neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease.

The second research direction focuses on the structural characterization of lipid nanoparticles, with the aim of linking nanoscale structure to biological function in order to further develop systems for vaccine delivery and anticancer immunotherapies.

In this project, you will work on nanoparticle research in close collaboration with Dr Cindy Xiao, analyzing cryo-TEM and scattering data and integrating these results to draw scientifically robust conclusions about the samples.

Position Description

We are seeking a motivated undergraduate student for a part-time position as a Student Research Assistant in our research group. The position is particularly suitable for students in years 2–3 of their undergraduate studies or for recent graduates. The selected candidate will contribute to a collaborative project focused on the structural analysis of mRNA vaccines and immunotherapy, working with complex experimental datasets.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to data analysis within a collaborative research project on mRNA vaccines and immunotherapy

• Analyze, organize, and curate datasets generated using scattering techniques (e.g. SAXS/SANS) and microscopy (e.g. electron microscopy)

• Assist with data processing, visualization, and interpretation under the supervision of senior researchers

• Maintain clear and well-organized documentation of analysis workflows and results

• Communicate research findings effectively in English within an interdisciplinary research team

Qualifications

Required

• Strong research interest 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel

• Basic understanding of data analysis and scientific workflows

• Experience with image analysis

• Careful, structured, and independent, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Strong written and spoken English communication skills

Meritorious

• Current undergraduate student (preferably years 2–3) or recent graduate in biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, or a related field

• Experience with quantitative data analysis

Employment Details

• Type of employment: Fixed-term appointment, 3 months

• Scope: Part-time, 1–2 days per week

Contact Information

For informal inquiries or preliminary questions, please contact:

Dr Cindy Xiao
Postdoctoral Researcher
Email: yunxin.xiao@med.lu.se

Prof. Trevor Forsyth
Principal Investigator
Email: trevor.forsyth@med.lu.se

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the university’s recruitment system. The application should include a cover letter describing your motivation for applying and how the position aligns with your qualifications. The application should also include a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and any additional materials you wish to submit (e.g. transcripts, reference contact details, letters of recommendation).

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