Assistant researcher within Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration

Lunds universitet, Experimentell medicinsk vetenskap

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Description of the work place

The research group Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration primarily focuses on studying aging and diseases of the central nervous system using stem cell, reprogramming, and genome‑modifying technologies.
The research group works on several projects related to the development and use of new in vitro model systems for neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancer.
The group is led by Henrik Ahlenius and includes 3 postdocs, an associate researcher, and a number of master’s students with diverse nationalities and backgrounds. The group is located at BMC, the Department of Experimental Medical Science, and Lund Stem Cell Center. Read more about the group HERE.
We are now looking for an experienced and driven associate researcher who can strengthen and broaden the group’s expertise in cellular reprogramming, modeling, and the development of new therapies for brain tumors.
As a workplace, we value an open, inclusive, and equitable working environment.

Project description

You will work on further developing and using new stem‑cell and patient‑derived models of brain tumors. The work includes both developing new models as well as validating and using established models to study the emergence and development of brain tumors. Furthermore, you will use these models to test new therapies under development.

We offer

Lunds universitet är en statlig myndighet vilket innebär att du får särskilda förmåner, generös semester och en förmånlig tjänstepension.
Lund University is a government agency, which means that you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension.
We also have a flex‑time agreement that provides good conditions for balancing work and leisure.

Work tasks and responsibilities

You will have particular responsibility for planning and carrying out various research tasks to further develop genome‑modified pluripotent stem cells as model systems for brain tumors. Genome‑modified stem cells are differentiated into organoids where the consequences of different oncogenic mutations are explored. You will also work with patient‑derived tumor organoids and use these to test new treatment methods under development. The results from these experiments will form the basis for generating new in vitro models as well as for developing treatments for brain tumors at the absolute forefront of research.

The work includes cellular reprogramming; molecular cloning, viral vectors, as well as cellular, molecular, and functional assays primarily in vitro.
The main task is laboratory work and data analysis. In addition, you will present research nationally and internationally at conferences, and write scientific articles and grant applications. Some supervision of students may be included.

You will be part of two highly active Strategic Research Areas (SFOs) and have access to several career‑development activities.

Qualifications

Krav för anställningen är:

MSc in molecular biology, cell biology, neurobiology, stem cell biology, or similar
PhD in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, neurobiology, stem cell biology, or similar
Postdoctoral experience in stem cells, reprogramming, and CNS tumors
Good knowledge of cell and molecular biology
Experience in conducting, analyzing, and publishing biomedical research
Good oral and written proficiency in English
Strong ability to work independently in laboratory and analytical tasks
Good collaboration skills
Strong initiative

Meriterande för anställningen är:

Experience working with patient‑derived tumor organoids
Experience in gene therapy research
Experience in fluorescence and confocal microscopy
Processing and analysis using image‑analysis software
Experience in research within cellular reprogramming

More about the position

The position is full‑time for one year, starting on 2026‑04‑01 or according to agreement.

How to apply

The position is applied for through the university’s recruitment system.
The application must include a short personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how your qualifications match the requirements for it.
The application must also include a CV and a publication list.

The Faculty of Medicine is a part of Lund University, and is responsible for education and research within medicine and healthcare. Our academic programs are closely linked with the healthcare system and are firmly anchored in the faculty’s strong research tradition. Our research spans a broad field within experimental preclinical research, near-patient clinical research and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine, with its 1,800 employees and 2,700 students in Lund and Malmö, is a knowledge-intensive meeting place for students, teachers and researchers from all over the world.