Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Multimodal Liquid Biopsy Analytics (Extracellular Vesicles, ToF-SIMS/MALDI, and Machine Learning)

Description of the workplace

At the Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, the successful candidate will join a highly interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of translational cancer biology, analytical chemistry, evolution, and data science. The workplace offers access to state-of-the-art core facilities for advanced microscopy and cytometry, cell and molecular biology, extracellular vesicle (EV) analytics, and mass spectrometry, as well as strong collaborations across the university and regional healthcare.

The postdoctoral fellow will be embedded in an international team with an active seminar culture and opportunities to co-supervise students, contribute to teaching, and participate in grant and manuscript development. The position is situated in Lund, Sweden, with close proximity to major national research infrastructures and a vibrant scientific community.

Description of the project

This project aims to develop next-generation, multimodal biopsy and chemical-imaging strategies for biomarker discovery and mechanistic insight in the chemical signatures of cancer and related diseases. By combining rigorous extracellular vesicle (EV) isolation and phenotyping with chemical profiling by time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS and MALDI-ToF), the project will generate integrated molecular signatures that can be translated into robust monitoring assays of cancer cell proliferation and adaptations.

The postdoctoral fellow will lead the development of high-fidelity EV workflows (from plasma and cell models) and establish quantitative nanoparticle- and flow-cytometry-based assays, complemented by mass-spectrometry-driven chemical profiling and machine-learning-supported multivariate analysis. Where relevant, CRISPR-Cas-based genetic perturbations in mammalian cell models will be used to validate candidate pathways and biomarkers.

Key deliverables include: (i) optimized and benchmarked EV isolation or characterization pipelines; (ii) validated ToF-SIMS/MALDI analytical methods and sample-preparation strategies; (iii) interpretable multivariate or ML models for classification and feature discovery; and (iv) high-impact publications and open, reusable analysis workflows.

Work duties 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 pedagogy training. Teaching may also be part of the job duties.

The postdoctoral research fellow is expected to take a leading role in designing, executing, and disseminating research at a level that sets international standards.

The work duties will for example include:

• Independent planning and execution of experimental work in mammalian cell culture and relevant patient-adjacent sample types (e.g., plasma-derived EVs).
• Development, optimization, and quality control of extracellular vesicle isolation and characterization workflows, including quantitative and phenotypic readouts.
• Advanced analytical method development and application in ToF-SIMS and MALDI-ToF, including sample preparation, target/surface functionalization, and data interpretation.
• Implementation of robust multivariate statistics and machine-learning pipelines (e.g., PCA, PLS-based methods) for classification, biomarker discovery, and cross-platform data integration.
• Validation of mechanistic hypotheses using modern molecular biology and genetic engineering approaches (including CRISPR-Cas-based gene editing), when required by the project.
• Documentation of methods and results to ensure reproducibility; preparation of manuscripts, conference contributions, and grant-style texts.
• Active participation in the research environment, including presentation of results, collaboration across disciplines, and supervision/mentoring of students and junior researchers.
• Contributing to teaching and pedagogical training opportunities in line with Lund University’s postdoctoral framework.

Qualifications

Requirements for the position are:

• PhD or equivalent foreign degree within analytical chemistry, biomedicine, molecular medicine, biotechnology, biophysics, bioengineering, or a closely related interdisciplinary field.
• The PhD must be completed no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Good ability to develop and conduct research of good quality.
• Pedagogical ability.

In addition, the successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Documented, hands-on expertise spanning both (a) cell and molecular biology (e.g., nucleic-acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, immunostaining, flow cytometry, flödescytometri, Sanger seq, WB, DNA electrophoresis and (b) advanced analytical chemistry/mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS, MALDI-ToF, and cholesterol extractions).
• Proven ability to develop and optimize complex experimental workflows, including stringent controls, method validation, and troubleshooting in high-variability biological samples.
• Strong quantitative competence and programming experience (Python and/or R/Matlab) for reproducible data processing, statistics, and multivariate analysis of high-dimensional datasets.
• An excellent publication record relative to career stage, with evidence of scientific independence, intellectual leadership, and a clear trajectory toward high-impact contributions.

Meritorious for the position are:

Priority will be given to applicants who have completed their degree no more than three years before the application deadline. In particular, the following will be considered strong merits and may be decisive in the overall assessment:

• Prior research experience that bridges EV/liquid biopsy analytics with mass spectrometry and/or imaging datasets, including multivariate data analysis for feature discovery.
• Demonstrated expertise in nanoparticle-based assays and/or bead-assisted flow-cytometry approaches for EV quantification and phenotyping.
• Experience with ToF-SIMS chemical imaging of cells/tissues, MALDI target functionalization, or thin-film surface chemistry relevant to analytical assay development.
• Exposure to electron cryo-microscopy sample preparation/data collection and/or other advanced structural or biophysical approaches.
• Track record of successful research communication, including invited talks, conference presentations, and contributions to grant writing.
• Documented pedagogical experience, such as tutoring, course support, or supervision/mentoring of students in laboratory and data-analysis contexts.

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.

We offer

Lund University is a governmental authority, which means you get special benefits, generous holidays and a favorable occupational pension. We also have a flexible time agreement that creates good conditions for a balance between work and leisure.

Read more on the university's website about being employed at Lund University, Work with us.

About the employment

The position is a fixed-term position of two years, 100%, with start date on 1 April 2026 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 (or another agreed location within the university’s Swedish operations).

The employment is limited to a minimum of two years, maximum three years, according to the collective agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher (the Swedish Employers' Association). A postdoctoral position is intended as an initial step in a career and as an opportunity to further deepen and broaden research expertise.

Additional information

The position offers substantial opportunities for professional development, including access to pedagogical training, career-development support, and an active international network. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to work on site in Lund and contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing research culture.

How to apply

The position is sought via the university’s recruitment system. Applications must/should include a personal motivation letter, in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application should also contain a diploma, CV or equivalent and anything else you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

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