Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.
The Department of Process and Life Science Engineering (PLE) at Lund University is located at Kemicentrum, one of the Nordics' largest centers for education and research in the field of chemistry. PLE has around 150 employees, of which around 65 are PhD students. The department offers a broad competence in areas such as chemical engineering, food technology, biotechnology and technical microbiology. The research and education at PLE spans the entire subject of chemistry and includes both undergraduate and graduate education. The Department of Process Engineering and Applied Biosciences (PLE) at Lund University works actively to ensure a good working environment through several initiatives and routines. PLE encourages open communication and collaboration between employees, students and management to continuously improve and have regular meetings and dialogues to discuss workplace safety.
The Division of Food and Pharma conducts research and education with relevance for the food and pharmaceutical industry and other related areas. We offer a strong research environment with good research infrastructure, including a human trial facility and pilot plant for food research. Our work has a clear connection to Agenda 2030, especially to sustainable consumption and production as well as human health. An important part of our strategy is collaboration with industry, society, and other research groups both in Sweden and internationally.
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.
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
As a project assistant, you will work experimentally with laboratory-based research related to the project. The tasks include, among other things:
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Conducting in vitro studies using simulated intestinal models. Duties include method optimization, conducting studies, sample handling, standardization, and the generation of high-quality data.
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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.
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Identifying the microbiota in human samples using Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatics.
Required qualifications for the position are:
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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.
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Good knowledge of gut physiology and nutrition and practical experience in fundamental microbiological and molecular methods, such as culturing and PCR-based techniques.
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Excellent written and spoken English.
Additional qualifications for the position are:
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Experience with Next Generation Sequencing and associated bioinformatics analyses.
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Experience with in vitro intestinal models.
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Knowledge of gut immunology.
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Knowledge of and experience with food processing and analytical methods.
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Knowledge of and working experience with plant-based foods.
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Good ability to write scientific texts.
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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.
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.
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!
LTH is Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and work hard for the development of society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative advancements in technology, architecture and design. We have nearly 12,000 students. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 theses and 2 000 scientific findings. In addition, a number of research results and degree projects are transformed into innovations. Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.
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Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 | Ort: Lund | Län: Skåne län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: PA2026/1857 | Kontakt: Åsa Håkansson 072-4615468, Åsa Håkansson 072-4615468, Emmy Heidenblad +46462229294, Emmy Heidenblad +46462229294, | Facklig företrädare: SEKO: Seko Civil 046-2229366, SEKO: Seko Civil 046-2229366, OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli 046-2229362, OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli 046-2229362, SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet 046-2220000, SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet 046-2220000, | Publicerat: 2026-06-01 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-06-15
