About the position
This two-year postdoc uses AI to design new proteins from scratch, then builds them into bacterial biofilms to make programmable living materials. The work combines computational protein design with synthetic biology to control how these living materials form, organise themselves and behave.
The lab, in Lund University's Department of Chemistry, aims to turn its findings into technology: its first spin-out company is already funded and running, with more in development. That makes it a good fit if you are weighing a career in basic research against one in technology and start-ups.
What you will do
- Develop computational pipelines for designing new proteins and protein-based systems.
- Set up high-throughput experiments to screen and characterise the designed proteins.
- Engineer microbes that build the newly designed biofilms.
- Teach and supervise degree projects and PhD students for up to 20% of your time, and help seek research funding. The post includes three weeks of training in university teaching.
Who can apply
- A PhD in a relevant field, such as protein design, computational, structural or synthetic biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, microbiology or molecular biology.
- The PhD must have been completed no more than three years before the hiring decision, unless there are special circumstances.
- Very good spoken and written English.
- Research experience in at least one of: computational or de novo protein design, synthetic biology, microbial or yeast engineering, biofilm engineering, or high-throughput screening.
What is offered
- Full-time, fixed-term employment for up to two years.
- Start on 1 January 2027, or as agreed.
- A career-development post focused on research, with the chance to work alongside the lab's spin-out work.
How to apply
- Apply in English through the university's online application system, linked below.
- Combine everything into one PDF: a CV with your list of publications, a description of your past research and future interests (no more than three pages), contact details for at least two referees, and a copy of your doctoral degree certificate.