Postdoctoral Position in Biophysics (Lund University)

University: Lund University Faculty / Department: Experimental Medical Science Reference number: PA2026/115 About Lund University 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 Project A motivated postdoctoral researcher is sought to work on the molecular mechanisms underlying amyloid formation from the protein transthyretin. Transthyretin normally functions as a transporter protein of thyroxine and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. However, the folded protein is prone to instability and the formation of amyloid fibrils in tissues such as the heart and nervous system, invariably with fatal consequences. The project will focus on probing the molecular factors underlying this instability (see for example https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-08609-z/) and in understanding the pathway that link the functional and pathological forms of the protein. Techniques involved will include: X-ray and neutron crystallography Small-angle scattering (SAXS & SANS) Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) The work will involve the study of wild-type TTR (which is intrinsically amyloidogenic) and a range of other mutants associated with early onset amyloidosis in various tissues. The work may involve comparative studies with amyloid material derived from ex vivo sources. Description of the Workplace The Molecular Biophysics group is part of the Department of Experimental Medical Science within the Faculty of Medicine at Lund University and is led by Professor Trevor Forsyth. The group uses biophysical techniques to study biomolecular systems in crystals, solutions and partially ordered systems, with particular emphasis on: X-ray and neutron diffraction Cryo-EM A wide range of complementary biophysical techniques The group is located close to the MAX IV and ESS facilities in Lund, providing access to state-of-the-art synchrotron, neutron and cryo-EM infrastructure. The group also makes extensive use of ESRF and ILL in Grenoble, France, and DESY in Hamburg, Germany. Professor Forsyth leads the LINXS Advanced Study Institute at the Science Village (https://www.linxs.se/) located between MAX IV and ESS, offering access to highly interdisciplinary science in life sciences, soft matter and hard matter. Work Duties and Responsibilities You will be expected to work independently and with high proficiency in: Protein expression, purification and crystallization Biophysical characterization (purity, yield, stability) Crystallographic diffraction data collection Data processing, structure solution and refinement using standard software The position may require travel to institutes including ILL (France), DESY (Hamburg), and other centers as required. Participation in national and international workshops and conferences may also be required. Description of the AMBER Project Context This postdoctoral position is part of the EU cofund research project AMBER – Advanced Multiscale Biological Imaging using European Research Infrastructures, 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 fifth call 2025, with each fellowship lasting 36 months. AMBER’s six core partners are: Lund University / MAX IV, Sweden European Spallation Source (ESS), Sweden European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), France International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines (IMOL), Poland Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, United Kingdom Your work may include clinical and biomedical projects and technique development aimed at integrating imaging techniques and data analysis. For more information on all AMBER postdoctoral positions, visit: https://www.euraxess.se/jobs/392999 Interviews will start in April/May 2026. More information about AMBER and the application process is available at: https://www.ambercofund.eu Qualifications Minimum requirements: Maximum of eight years after completion of a doctoral degree (PhD), in accordance with the EU Grant Agreement At least one original publication in a peer-reviewed journal Background in relevant methods Complete application submitted through the AMBER portal (including CV and detailed research plan) Compliance with the MSCA mobility rule Additional requirements: Undergraduate degree in physical sciences, biological sciences or another relevant field PhD or equivalent degree in physical sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology or a related subject Competence in protein expression and purification Competence in X-ray and/or neutron diffraction and associated data analysis Ability to conduct high-quality research Ability to work independently and as part of a team Proficiency in spoken and written English Personal skills are of importance. Applicants must be structured, independent, and possess good social skills. The assessment will primarily be based on scientific merit and research potential, with particular emphasis on scientific ability within the subject area. We Offer Lund University is a governmental authority offering special benefits, generous holidays and a favorable occupational pension. A flexible working-time agreement supports a healthy work–life balance. More information about working at Lund University is available at: Work with us. About the Employment Fixed-term employment of three years Extent: 100% Start date: 1 September 2026 or as agreed Employment is based in Lund, Sweden and requires on-site presence The position is intended as an initial step in a research career and an opportunity to deepen and broaden research expertise. Instructions on How to Apply Further information, templates and Europass links are available at: https://www.ambercofund.eu/for-applicants Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications must be written in English and submitted in PDF format. Required documents: i) Curriculum Vitae (Europass format) ii) Detailed research plan (max. 3 pages, including abstract) iii) Letter of Commitment from additional secondment partners iv) Evidence of English proficiency (minimum CEFR B2) v) Draft Individual Career Development Plan (ICDP) vi) Two reference letters vii) Supporting documents viii) Ethical questionnaire In addition: ix) Applicants may apply for a maximum of three positions. A ranked list of preferences must be sent to AMBER management at amber@linxs.se More Information About the Faculty of Medicine The Faculty of Medicine at Lund University is responsible for education and research within medicine and healthcare and encompasses experimental, clinical and health sciences research. The faculty has 1 800 employees and 2 700 students in Lund and Malmö. Employment Details Type of employment: Temporary position Contract type: Full-time Employment expires: 31 Aug. 2029 First day of employment: 01 Sept. 2026 Salary: Monthly salary Number of positions: 1 Full-time equivalent: 100% City: Lund County: Skåne län Country: Sweden Contact Trevor Forsyth, 046-2220000, trevor.forsyth@med.lu.se Maria Palmkron, HR Partner, 046-2224076, maria.palmkron@med.lu.se Union Representatives SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-2229366, sekocivil@seko.lu.se SACO: Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, kansli@saco-s.lu.se OFR/ST: Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-2229362, st@st.lu.se Important Dates Published: 14 Jan. 2026 Last application date: 02 Mar. 2026 If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Bioloxy

University: Lund University
Faculty / Department: Experimental Medical Science
Reference number: PA2026/115

About Lund University

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 Project

A motivated postdoctoral researcher is sought to work on the molecular mechanisms underlying amyloid formation from the protein transthyretin. Transthyretin normally functions as a transporter protein of thyroxine and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. However, the folded protein is prone to instability and the formation of amyloid fibrils in tissues such as the heart and nervous system, invariably with fatal consequences.

The project will focus on probing the molecular factors underlying this instability (see for example https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-08609-z/) and in understanding the pathway that link the functional and pathological forms of the protein.

Techniques involved will include:

X-ray and neutron crystallography
Small-angle scattering (SAXS & SANS)
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)

The work will involve the study of wild-type TTR (which is intrinsically amyloidogenic) and a range of other mutants associated with early onset amyloidosis in various tissues. The work may involve comparative studies with amyloid material derived from ex vivo sources.

Description of the Workplace

The Molecular Biophysics group is part of the Department of Experimental Medical Science within the Faculty of Medicine at Lund University and is led by Professor Trevor Forsyth.

The group uses biophysical techniques to study biomolecular systems in crystals, solutions and partially ordered systems, with particular emphasis on:

X-ray and neutron diffraction
Cryo-EM
A wide range of complementary biophysical techniques

The group is located close to the MAX IV and ESS facilities in Lund, providing access to state-of-the-art synchrotron, neutron and cryo-EM infrastructure. The group also makes extensive use of ESRF and ILL in Grenoble, France, and DESY in Hamburg, Germany.

Professor Forsyth leads the LINXS Advanced Study Institute at the Science Village (https://www.linxs.se/) located between MAX IV and ESS, offering access to highly interdisciplinary science in life sciences, soft matter and hard matter.

Work Duties and Responsibilities

You will be expected to work independently and with high proficiency in:

Protein expression, purification and crystallization
Biophysical characterization (purity, yield, stability)
Crystallographic diffraction data collection
Data processing, structure solution and refinement using standard software

The position may require travel to institutes including ILL (France), DESY (Hamburg), and other centers as required. Participation in national and international workshops and conferences may also be required.

Description of the AMBER Project Context

This postdoctoral position is part of the EU cofund research project AMBER – Advanced Multiscale Biological Imaging using European Research Infrastructures, 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 fifth call 2025, with each fellowship lasting 36 months.

AMBER’s six core partners are:

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

Your work may include clinical and biomedical projects and technique development aimed at integrating imaging techniques and data analysis.

For more information on all AMBER postdoctoral positions, visit:
https://www.euraxess.se/jobs/392999

Interviews will start in April/May 2026.
More information about AMBER and the application process is available at:
https://www.ambercofund.eu

Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

Maximum of eight years after completion of a doctoral degree (PhD), in accordance with the EU Grant Agreement
At least one original publication in a peer-reviewed journal
Background in relevant methods
Complete application submitted through the AMBER portal (including CV and detailed research plan)
Compliance with the MSCA mobility rule

Additional requirements:

Undergraduate degree in physical sciences, biological sciences or another relevant field
PhD or equivalent degree in physical sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology or a related subject
Competence in protein expression and purification
Competence in X-ray and/or neutron diffraction and associated data analysis
Ability to conduct high-quality research
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Proficiency in spoken and written English

Personal skills are of importance. Applicants must be structured, independent, and possess good social skills.

The assessment will primarily be based on scientific merit and research potential, with particular emphasis on scientific ability within the subject area.

We Offer

Lund University is a governmental authority offering special benefits, generous holidays and a favorable occupational pension. A flexible working-time agreement supports a healthy work–life balance.

More information about working at Lund University is available at: Work with us.

About the Employment

Fixed-term employment of three years
Extent: 100%
Start date: 1 September 2026 or as agreed
Employment is based in Lund, Sweden and requires on-site presence

The position is intended as an initial step in a research career and an opportunity to deepen and broaden research expertise.

Instructions on How to Apply

Further information, templates and Europass links are available at:
https://www.ambercofund.eu/for-applicants

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications must be written in English and submitted in PDF format.

Required documents:

i) Curriculum Vitae (Europass format)
ii) Detailed research plan (max. 3 pages, including abstract)
iii) Letter of Commitment from additional secondment partners
iv) Evidence of English proficiency (minimum CEFR B2)
v) Draft Individual Career Development Plan (ICDP)
vi) Two reference letters
vii) Supporting documents
viii) Ethical questionnaire

In addition:

ix) Applicants may apply for a maximum of three positions. A ranked list of preferences must be sent to AMBER management at amber@linxs.se

More Information About the Faculty of Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine at Lund University is responsible for education and research within medicine and healthcare and encompasses experimental, clinical and health sciences research. The faculty has 1 800 employees and 2 700 students in Lund and Malmö.