19 Postdoctoral Fellowship at Lund University, Scania, Sweden

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is now considered essential for keeping global warming to 1.5°C. Direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) is commonly seen as among the most secure in terms of carbon storage, particularly when paired with mineralization as the chosen storage method. Nevertheless, key questions remain as to how permanent such removal methods actually are. 

In this project, we focus on direct air capture with carbon mineralization in basalts (DACCS-b) because of the considerable public and private interest this technology has attracted in past years. Taking an inter-disciplinary approach, the research aims to combine the study of narratives and policy analysis with state-of-the-art geological knowledge, to explore how DACCS-b can be governed to address the uncertainties and risks of non-permanent carbon storage. 

The discipline of environmental law encompasses those parts of legal system (international, regional and national) that aim to regulate the environment and pursue ecologically sustainable development in a broad sense. This includes, inter alia, protection of (parts of) ecosystems (ocean, water, air, land, species, biodiversity etc.), the production, use and disposal of chemicals, goods, waste management and transport, mitigation and adaption measures in the context of climate change, as well as a host of procedural and institutional issues that directly affect the effectiveness of environmental law. Further, the topic includes issues concerning the efficiency and adequacy of the legislation in relation to the purpose of environmental protection, including control, sanctions and instruments for voluntary action, the balancing between the need for environmental protection and competing interests, access to justice and the design of legal proceedings.

The post-doctoral position is situated within the project titled “Sustainable Carbon Capture Transportation and Storage: Liability and Governance in Light of International and EU Law.” It addresses the emerging practise of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through innovative carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. With a special focus on the sub-seabed storage of CO2, this project explores the legal frameworks and governance structures necessary to manage risks and long-term environmental liability of carbon storage in the sub-seabed. Identified risks include, for example, leakages during transportation and injection phases as well as migration and releases from sub-seabed geological formations, and risks associated with site closures and post-closure management.

New pathways are needed for an efficient alignment of the financial system with the needs of biodiversity. This postdoc links efforts of the research project BIOPATH to assess, co-develop and test existing and novel approaches for integration of biodiversity considerations into financial decision- making with financial actors, and analyse the institutional and policy implications of potential transition pathways. The postdoc will focus on characterizing and assessing current approaches used to link biodiversity to business decisions to evaluate their usability and validity. The results will be used to produce a roadmap for development of assessment tools. The work requires an understanding of how the use of biomass in green sectors may affect multivariate biodiversity and associated values, as well as an understanding of how business decision in the green sector may translate into impact on land-use. Work is carried out in close collaboration with stakeholders.

We are searching for a researcher to join the Swedish Research Council-funded project Moved Apart: Communicated Experiences of Separation in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries. The project explores how experiences of separation are shaped by life stages, by time and space, and by letters. Read more about the project at: https://portal.research.lu.se/en/projects/moved-apart-communicated-experiences-of-separation-in-the-sixteen

You will join a team travelling to diverse archives in Europe and East Asia, and jointly compile a database of early modern letters. In addition, you will have the opportunity to propose and carry out your own research within the frame of the project, and to develop organisational skills. The project is based at Lund University, and entails international archival trips, and subsequent database input.

Responsible for the position is Prof. Heiner Linke at the Division of Solid State Physics at Lund University. Heiner Linke has long-term experience in the development of molecular motors and is a PI in the ERC Synergy ArtMotor project, which aims at designing and building functional, synthetic protein motors, and to detect their movements. As a first step, the partners will construct relatively simple protein motors that will require external control to achieve motility. The final goal is to construct, step by step, an autonomous protein motor capable of transducing chemical energy to move along a track. Our role in the project is to characterize the motors’ performance as well to guide the design of the protein motors and to evaluate the experimental results using coarse grain (Brownian dynamics) modelling. The research will be performed in close collaboration with Birte Höcker (University of Bayreuth, Germany) and Paul Curmi (UNSW, Sydney, Australia) who will be responsible for protein design, synthesis and characterization of the molecules, as well as with Ralf Eichhorn (Nordita), expert in stochastic thermodynamics and modelling of Brownian dynamics. Research visits to one or several of the collaborator’s groups can be part of the project.

Bacteria are constantly predated by viruses, bacteriophages. To resist predation, bacteria employ numerous antiphage defence systems, with the most famous being CRISPR-Cas. In our lab we discover new systems with bioinformatics, validate them in microbiological assays and then characterise the mechanisms of defence on the molecular level. Currently the lab is working on many (>10) novel, as-yet-unpublished antiphage defence systems. The focus of this project would be to uncover their molecular workings through integrated structure-functional approach combining phage microbiology, biochemistry and structural biology. The project is supervised by Vasili Hauryliuk (PI) as well as Gemma Atkinson (co-PI, structural bioinformatics, Lund University) and Pontus Gourdon (co-PI, cryo-EM, Lund University and University of Copenhagen).

Amyloid aggregates in the brain are found in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s (PD) and Alzheimer’s diseases (AD). The underlying molecular mechanisms for the development of these diseases are not known, although the involved biomolecules have been uncovered. The questions addressed in this project are: 1) if, and to what extent does condensate formation (also called liquid-liquid phase separation) enhance amyloid nucleation? and 2) what is the molecular basis of such enhancement?  A particular focus will be on the peptide structure at the interface between the condensate and the surrounding liquid. Are amyloid peptides preferentially oriented at this interface and does such orientation influence the nucleation process and its rate? Which solution conditions promote condensate formation and amyloid formation, respectively. Where are the boundaries in the phase diagram? What is the molecular mechanism behind factors that can be added to perturb the system to enhance or supress nucleation? The project will include a wide range of methods such as protein expression and purification, optical and electron microscopy, fluorescence, circular and linear dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence polarization, microfluidic approaches, NMR spectroscopy, etc.

The research project takes place within the COMMONS Center of Excellence (www.physchem.lu.se/commons). The overarching aim of COMMONS is to provide a multifaceted scientific environment focusing on unifying physicochemical processes of key importance for the function of cellular membranes and their effects on other biomolecules. The COMMONS Center brings together methodological and theoretical expertise from Lund University, Chalmers and Copenhagen University, and will serve as host for a Graduate School and a Visting Professor Program to attract international experts from a broad field of biomembrane science.

The postdoctoral researchers will be able to develop their scientific skills and knowledge within the interdisciplinary Center, which will also impact on outcomes from the research projects.  The COMMONS Center is led by a group of PI’s from the participating Universities (Emma Sparr, Sara Linse, Fredrik Höök, Martin Malmsten) whom together with additional scientists and guest professors within COMMONS will guide the projects and the training of the recruited postdocs towards leading academic or industrial research positions.

This post-doctoral position is also part of the EU cofund research project AMBER, Advanced Multiscale Biological imaging using European Research infrastructures, which will address scientific and sectoral gaps in biological imaging ranging from molecular, through cellular, to tissue, organ and organism levels of organisation, and is coordinated by LINXS Institute of advanced Neutron and X-ray Science.AMBER is funded by the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) COFUND scheme.Around 15 postdocs will be recruited in the Second call 2024, with each fellowship lasting 36 months.

Biomolecular condensation driven by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is emerging as an essential process in cellular compartmentalization. In this project we will investigate generic molecular mechanisms for how biomembranes may induce phase separation of membrane-active proteins and interact with the formed protein condensates. The specific questions addressed are 1) What are the molecular factors governing membrane-induced LLPS?  2)  How is membrane-induced LLPS modulated by membrane properties and membrane-protein interactions? 3)  Will clustering of certain lipid or protein components in the membrane serve as a nucleation site for membrane-induced LLPS?  4) What are the functional consequences of membrane-induced LLPS with respect to, for example, protein function and membrane remodeling? 5) Will wetting of the membrane with liquid protein condensates lead to membrane reshaping and reorganization? The project will include a wide range of experimental methods such as optical and electron microscopy, single-molecule fluorescence methods, microfluidic approaches to diffusion, and scattering methods. Investigation of physical-chemical mechanisms will be performed in model systems in which the physical and chemical properties of the system are systematically varied. 

The research project takes place within the COMMONS Center of Excellence (www.physchem.lu.se/commons). The overarching aim of COMMONS is to provide a multifaceted scientific environment focusing on unifying physicochemical processes of key importance for the function of cellular membranes and their effects on other biomolecules. The COMMONS Center brings together methodological and theoretical expertise from Lund University, Chalmers and Copenhagen University, and will serve as host for a Graduate School and a Visting Professor Program to attract international experts from a broad field of biomembrane science.

The uptake of biomolecules that do not spontaneously cross cellular membranes relies on intricate signaling cascades triggered on contact between the biomolecule and receptor elements at the cell membrane. Examples include signaling via extracellular vesicles, viral infections, as well as drug uptake mediated by nanoparticle carriers. While complex in nature, these processes are believed to share common denominators in that they all alter the energy landscape of the cellular membrane, causing lipid redistribution and membrane remodeling to occur in parallel to nanoparticle uptake. Cell membrane mimics based on supported lipid bilayers provide particularly powerful tools to investigate such effects. In this project, we will therefore explore membrane mimics of increasing complexity in combination with nanoparticles designed for the delivery of mRNA and proteins to combat disease. Using state-of-the-art imaging in combination with neutron-based techniques, we will investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of all key steps of cell internalization, from the initial contact between nanoparticles and cellular membranes to subsequent lipid redistribution, membrane wrapping, uptake, and release. Emphasis will be placed on membrane compositions representing: (i) the outer plasma membrane, where initial contact occurs, and (ii) the gradually maturing endosomal membrane, which must be traversed for successful intracellular drug delivery to the cytosol. By also exploring different supporting substrates with minimal impact on the physicochemical properties of the cell membrane mimics, we envision that this project will provide new insights of utmost importance for the design of next-generation drug delivery vehicles, especially in the context of gene therapies.

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist with strong competence in data analysis to carry out structural analyses of a variety of mRNA lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) systems using small-angle scattering (SAS) techniques (both neutron and X-ray) alongside cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies.  The position will be held in the Molecular Biophysics group in the Medical Faculty at Lund University, in close collaboration with CureVac in Germany.

The development of mRNA LNPs has intensified in the past years, particularly fueled by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Beyond the treatment of COVID-19, LNP technology enables gene editing, protein replacement therapy and therapeutic cancer vaccines.  Nonetheless, there are numerous challenges associated with the formulation, delivery, and efficacy of mRNA-LNPs to date. Despite the various advancements in the field, many aspects of the structure-activity relationships in LNPs still remain to be elucidated.

CureVac, a biotechnology company based in Tübingen, Germany (https://www.curevac.com/en/), has been a pioneer in the field of mRNA research for the past 24 years. The successful delivery of mRNA in vivo is contingent on the LNP delivery vehicle. This project aims to delve into the lipid-based building blocks which make up the LNP, utilizing powerful structural tools to investigate structure-activity relationships that will enable the future efficient design of potent mRNA LNP therapeutics. CureVac has been focusing on innovations in the lipid space for the design and in vitro/in vivo characterization of novel LNPs and the identification of factors that can significantly improve potency following intravenous administration.

The project will make extensive use of synchrotron X-ray facilities such as MAX IV, ESRF, Diamond, and neutron beam facilities such as ILL, ISIS (as well as the ESS spallation neutron source which will become available during the period of the project).  Data from these facilities will be used with information from cryo-EM to establish reliable structural models associated with different types of LNPs and their variation in response to different conditions.  Where appropriate, isotope labelling will be exploited to enhance the visibility of different LNP components. The project aims to use machine learning trends to deliver reliable prediction methods for LNP morphology and content.

A highly motivated postdoctoral scientist is sought to work on a project designed to extend our understanding of the molecular basis of transthyretin amyloidosis Read more here. Human transthyretin (TTR) is a protein that transports thyroxine and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Wild-type TTR is intrinsically amyloidogenic, but a large number of TTR mutants have been identified that are associated with early-onset amyloidosis and where there are remarkable tissue specificities.  This project seeks to gather atomic/molecular level information  on different TTR mutants using crystallography (X-ray and neutron), cryo-EM, and a wide range of other biophysical techniques. It will make use of the MAX-IV and ESS facilities in Sweden as well as the ESRF and ILL X-ray/neutron sources in Grenoble, France. Where possible it is planned  to carry out comparative studies of amyloid material derived from in vitro and ex vivo sources. The project will have good access to state-of-the-art facilities within the medical, natural science and engineering faculties, as well as being located in close proximity to the nearby MAX-IV synchrotron and ESS neutron beam facilities on the Science Village campus near the Lund city centre.

Biological materials such as plant seeds, bone, and skin present a variability of microscopic structures, which in turn determine the complex functionality for life and health. The spatial variability of microscopic structure is of high importance to better understand how mechanical loads and chemical environments affect the materials in structure and function.

In this context, small- and wide-angle X-ray diffraction with a microfocus beam is an emerging technique with strong future prospects that allows to study the spatial distribution of specific nanoscopic structural patterns. In addition, simultaneous X-ray fluorescence allows to monitor the related chemical compositions in the different spots.

As central goal, this project supervised by Associate Professor Felix Roosen-Runge aims at the characterization of macromolecular microstructure in plant materials, and related implications for optimization of extraction protocols for more sustainable food products. Proteins from plant seeds present promising opportunities to replace animal-derived food proteins with a more sustainable, healthy and affordable protein source. However, plant seeds have been selected for efficient and long-lasting storage of proteins, so that an efficient non-destructive extraction of proteins presents a considerable challenge. In this context, microscopic structure is an essential information for novel extraction pathways.

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of a collaborative network of students and researchers at the division of Physical Chemistry (http://www.physchem.lu.se) at Lund University.

Ion channels are essential for life across organisms and a sophisticated understanding of their function is imperative for basic, biomedical and applied research. The overarching goal of the proposed project is to develop ion channel activators and inhibitors. Previously unmet specificity needs will be achieved by targeting subtype- and conformational-specific features, thereby limiting side effects. The focus will be on Kv7 channels linked to a range of severe neurological disorders, including epilepsy, sleep disorders and autism. This position is part of a larger multidisciplinary project recently funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg (KAW) Foundation focusing on potassium ion channels, which will be conducted in Stockholm, Linköping, Gothenburg and Lund in Sweden by five separate research groups.

This post-doctoral position is part of the EU cofund research project AMBER, Advanced Multiscale Biological imaging using European Research infrastructures, will address scientific and sectoral gaps in biological imaging ranging from molecular, through cellular, to tissue, organ and organism levels of organisation, and is coordinated by LINXS Institute of advanced Neutron and X-ray Science.

AMBER is funded by the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) COFUND scheme.

Around 15 postdocs will be recruited in the Second call 2024, with each fellowship lasting 36 months. 

AMBER has six core partners: Lund University/MAX IV, Sweden, the European Spallation Source (ESS), Sweden, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), France, the International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines, (IMOL), Poland, and the Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, United Kingdom. 

Your work may include clinical and biomedical projects. It may also include technique development work aimed at combining imaging techniques and data analysis to provide a more integrated picture of life processes in the context of health and disease. To be a postdoc fellow at the AMBER programme you will get unprecedented medical, biological, and methodological capabilities, with a profound potential impact for Europe’s next generation of research and researchers. When you have completed the AMBER programme you will be extraordinarily well equipped to further your career in academia, at infrastructures, in the health and MedTech sectors, and beyond.

This post-doctoral position is part of the EU cofund research project AMBER, Advanced Multiscale Biological imaging using European Research infrastructures, will address scientific and sectoral gaps in biological imaging ranging from molecular, through cellular, to tissue, organ and organism levels of organisation, and is coordinated by LINXS Institute of advanced Neutron and X-ray Science.

AMBER is funded by the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) COFUND scheme.

Around 15 postdocs will be recruited in the Second call 2024, with each fellowship lasting 36 months.

AMBER has six core partners: Lund University/MAX IV, Sweden, the European Spallation Source (ESS), Sweden, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), France, the International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines, (IMOL), Poland, and the Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, United Kingdom.

Your work will include clinical and biomedical projects. It will also include technique development. Your work may include combining imaging techniques and data analysis to provide a more integrated picture of life processes in the context of health and disease. To be a postdoc fellow at the AMBER programme you will get unprecedented medical, biological, and methodological capabilities, with a profound potential impact for Europe’s next generation of research and researchers. When you have completed the AMBER programme you will be extraordinarily well equipped to further your career in academia, at infrastructures, in the health and MedTech sectors, and beyond.

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow with a research interest in applied modelling of infectious disease dynamics using large-scale population register data and novel mobility data sources. The successful candidate will join the research network PREPARE, located at the Department of Laboratory Medicine within the Faculty of Medicine. We conduct research on improved preparedness for future pandemics and other health crises. Our network is interdisciplinary and spans several faculties at Lund University. We have close collaborations with other universities in Sweden, including Umeå, Stockholm and Halmstad. We are also part of a national network around epidemiological modeling and collaborate with other researchers both in the Nordics and internationally.

Lund University GIS Centre at the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science is going to expand its research activities in Geospatial Artificial Intelligence. A researcher is going to be employed to help with strengthening and expanding this research direction.

Research at the division of Physical Chemistry deals with surface and colloid science with strong links between experiment and theory. This area is approached with a broad perspective ranging from basic considerations of intermolecular interaction and their manifestations in condensed systems to practical consequences in industry and medicine.