Associate researcher in Experimental lung transplantation Full-time NEW

Associate Researcher In Experimental Lung Transplantation

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.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard equality, equal opportunities, and diversity as a strength and an asset.

The research group is led by Associated Professor Sandra Lindstedt and has a long-standing interest in research related to lung transplantation, post-transplant complications, and lung regeneration. The group focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies to treat lung injury, improve donor organ quality, and reduce complications following lung transplantation. A particular focus is on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), primary graft dysfunction (PGD), and regenerative approaches to lung repair.

The Lindstedt group has established ex vivo human models and in vivo and ex vivo porcine models of lung injury, including ARDS. The group is currently working to develop and evaluate mesenchymal stromal cell therapies using these models. The research aims to improve outcomes in patients with severe lung injury, increase the number of lungs suitable for transplantation, and reduce post-transplant complications, with the ultimate goal of translating these therapies into clinical applications.

The research group brings together researchers and clinical specialists with expertise in lung transplantation, experimental surgery, cell biology, and regenerative medicine. The interdisciplinary research environment includes senior researchers, postdoctoral researchers, doctoral students, and research personnel. Within our research group, we prioritize a good working environment based on mutual respect and care. We strive to create a workplace that is perceived as stimulating and conducive to both personal and professional development. We continuously work to foster a sense of joy, engagement, and inclusion among all team members, ensuring both physical safety and a supportive psychosocial work environment.

We offer special benefits, generous holidays, and a favorable occupational pension.

Work description: A associate researcher position is available within the Lindstedt research group, focusing on translational research in lung transplantation, lung injury, and regenerative medicine. The duties at the research unit primarily consist of experimental and laboratory-based research, with a particular focus on the development and evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies to improve lung repair and transplantation outcomes.

The successful candidate will primarily work on research projects investigating cell-based therapies, including mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and mitochondrial therapeutics for the treatment of acute lung injury and transplantation-related complications. The research will employ a combination of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo approaches, including large- and small-animal models of lung injury and transplantation, ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), and human ex vivo lung models. The position has a strong translational focus, bridging experimental and preclinical research with clinical applications, primarily within the fields of thoracic surgery and pulmonary medicine.

The main responsibilities include:

• independently designing, planning, coordinating, and conducting research projects, as well as collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and managing experimental data.
• The work involves the development and optimization of experimental protocols, evaluation of therapeutic interventions, and application of cellular, molecular, ultra-high-plexed immunofluorescence, and histological techniques to investigate mechanisms of lung injury, repair, and regeneration.
• The position also includes responsibility for preparing high-quality scientific manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals, contributing to research grant applications, and presenting research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• The majority of the work will be conducted independently, while also involving close collaboration with internal and external research partners and clinical collaborators.
• In addition, the position includes mentorship and supervision of doctoral students, Bachelor's and Master's students, and other junior researchers, as well as contributing to the coordination and development of ongoing research activities within the group.

Other work tasks might also be included.

Required qualifications:

• PhD (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, biotechnology, molecular biology, regenerative medicine, or a related field.
• A minimum of four years of documented research experience following completion of the PhD, demonstrating scientific independence and responsibility.
• Documented experience in experimental and translational biomedical research, particularly within cell therapies, lung injury, lung transplantation, or regenerative medicine.
• Hands-on experience with small and large-animal models and/or ex vivo organ perfusion.
• Experience with standard cellular and molecular biology techniques, including cell culture, ELISA, Western blotting, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and high-plexed immunofluorescence.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, plan, coordinate, and conduct complex experimental research projects.
• Documented scientific productivity through publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Independent and responsible, with the ability to organize and manage research activities and take responsibility for scientific quality and project progress.
• Collaborative, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary research environments.
• Analytical and solution-oriented, with the ability to critically evaluate experimental results and address complex scientific challenges.

Meritorious qualifications:

• Additional specialized training in experimental transplantation, regenerative medicine, cell therapy, or related disciplines.
• Relevant training and certification in laboratory animal science, particularly involving large- and small-animal experimental models.
• Completed courses in higher education teaching and pedagogy.
• Experience with experimental lung transplantation, including large- and small-animal models of lung injury and transplantation.
• Hands-on experience with ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) and human ex vivo lung models, including precision-cut lung slices (PCLS).
• Experience in the development and evaluation of cell-based and regenerative therapies, particularly mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and mitochondrial therapeutics.
• Experience with cellular, molecular, histological, and proteomic analyses, including the handling and processing of human and animal tissue samples.
• Experience in managing and coordinating interdisciplinary research projects and national or international collaborations.
• Documented experience in scientific supervision, preparation of research grant applications, and dissemination of research findings through publications and international conferences.

The position is a fixed-term employment according to the Special Fixed-term Employment (SÄVA) regulations §5 p1 LAS, and it is full-time. The desired start date is 2027-01-01 or as agreed upon, with an end date of 2027-12-31.

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 certificate 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.).