Project Assistant in Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics

Description of the workplace

The Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics research group at the Department of Experimental Medical Science within the Faculty of Medicine is currently conducting research on the mechanisms underpinning the epigenetic control of the repetitive genome in stem cell models of early human development. The group was established in 2022 by Dr Christopher Douse and currently consists of seven researchers. The group works closely with in close alignment with strategic infrastructures within the Medical Faculty, particularly Lund Stem Cell Center. Our lab is located at BMC in Lund.

We are now looking for a driven project assistant to support ongoing projects in the lab related to the epigenetic control of genomic repeats across a neurodevelopmental time course. As a workplace, we ensure a good and safe work environment with respect and consideration for each other. We strive to create conditions for job satisfaction, development, and participation for all employees.

We offer

Lund University is a government agency, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favourable occupational pension.

Read more on the university’s website about being an employee at Lunds University, Work at Lund University | Lund University

Work duties and areas of responsibility

We are looking for a driven project assistant to work on a research project focused on mechanisms of epigenetic repeat regulation in stem cell models of the human brain. In particular, the project assistant will support two ongoing projects in the lab: (i) to understand how the MORC2 chromatin regulator impacts DNA methylation over genomic repeats in brain development, and (ii) to develop and implement a novel long read epigenomic technology designed to measure repeat activation as a function of repeat type and size. 

Qualifications

Requirements for employment are:

• You have a Master’s degree in Biomedicine, Molecular/Cell Biology, or a closely related subject.
• You have at least one year of hands-on laboratory experience, particularly in human stem cell culture (e.g. iPSCs, NPCs), molecular biology (e.g. Western blotting), protein and nucleic acid extraction (e.g. from cells and tissues) and functional (epi)genomics (e.g. DNA methylation analysis, CUT&RUN).
• You have strong interest in the repetitive genome, transposable elements and/or repeat expansion disorders.
• You are knowledgeable and experienced in molecular (neuro)biology.
• You have excellent analytical skills.
• You have excellent communication skills in English (oral and written).
• You have strong organisation and teamwork skills.

Meritorious for the position:

• Knowledge about epigenomics, transposable elements and neurodevelopment.
• A curiosity in these topics should be evidenced by previous research or a well-formed, coherent idea of what you would like to study in our research environment.
• Computational skills (e.g. data analysis in R and additional experience with a command-line user interface) are also merits.

Further information

The position is for 6 months full-time with the desired starting date on Feb 1st 2026 or as agreed. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview in the first half of January. The interviews will be conducted in person or online depending on the location of the applicant.

How to apply

You apply for the position via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how your qualifications match the requirements. The application should also include a CV, degree certificates or equivalent documentation, and any additional materials you wish to submit (copies of transcripts, contact information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

More information regarding the Faculty of Medicine