Project assistant at the Department of Process and Life Science Engineering

Description of the workplace 

This project is a collaborative project between the Division of Food and Pharma, PLE, and the Division of Applied Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, LTH. The position is based at the Division of Food and Pharma, where research and education grounded in engineering and natural sciences are conducted to address issues relevant to society.

You will be part of three research groups with strong research profiles in nutrition, microbiology, and gut health related to foods with health-promoting properties. The work includes studies using in vitro models of the gastrointestinal tract, comprising the dynamic SHIME model (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem), the INFOGEST model (static simulation of gastrointestinal food digestion) and the 3D intestinal tissue model. SHIME and INFOGEST are used to simulate different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby enabling studies of nutrient digestion and absorption, as well as how different foods and components affect the gut microbiota. Through the in vitro 3D tissue model, intestinal functions such as permeability, immune responses and tissue regeneration can be studied.

We offer 

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a new workplace.

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee 

Work duties 

As a project assistant, you will work experimentally with laboratory-based research related to the project. The tasks include, among other things:

• Conducting in vitro studies using simulated intestinal models. Duties include method optimization, conducting studies, sample handling, standardization, and the generation of high-quality data.
• Evaluating the health effects of plant-based foods and food components, particularly with regard to intestinal digestion and absorption, mucosal barrier function, and gut microbiota composition.
• Identifying the microbiota in human samples using Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatics.

Qualifications

Required qualifications for the position are:

• Ongoing or recently completed studies in the Master of Science in Engineering in Biotechnology with a specialization in Food, the Master’s programme in Food Technology and Nutrition, Biotechnology, Molecular biology, or equivalent.
• Good knowledge of gut physiology and nutrition and practical experience in fundamental microbiological and molecular methods, such as culturing and PCR-based techniques.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Additional qualifications for the position are:

• Experience with Next Generation Sequencing and associated bioinformatics analyses.
• Experience with in vitro intestinal models.
• Knowledge of gut immunology.
• Knowledge of and experience with food processing and analytical methods.
• Knowledge of and working experience with plant-based foods.
• Good ability to write scientific texts.
• Teaching experience.

Consideration will also be given to motivation, independence, and strong communication and collaborative skills. Great importance will also be attached to how the applicant, through their experience and expertise, is considered able to complement and strengthen the scientific work in the research groups in which the person will be active.

Further information 

The position is a fixed term position for one year at 100 per cent of full time, starting on August 1, 2026, or as agreed.

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificates or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome with your application!