Assistant Researcher in Cellular Biomechanics

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading institutions of higher education. It has around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our pursuit to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of humanity. Lund University welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles for all aspects of our operations. **Description of the Workplace** The mission is to conduct research on how mechanical signals regulate smooth muscle function in blood vessels. The Cellular Biomechanics group, led by Professor Karl Swärd, works to understand how biomechanical load, the cytoskeleton, and mechanotransduction affect the structure, function, and disease development of the vascular wall. The group also includes University Lecturer Catarina Rippe and is located at BMC D12. The group focuses on mechanistic studies regarding the significance of stretch-sensitive gene regulation in smooth muscle. This research is supported by bioinformatics analyses of gene regulation in human vessels. The project centers around the protein LATS2 and how it can be used to protect the vascular wall from harmful changes. The workplace is part of a larger environment focused on vascular physiology and vascular biology at BMC D12. We provide a clear introduction, regular check-ins, and open discussions about workload and priorities. New employees quickly gain access to support as needed, and we strive to maintain a reasonable balance between independence and guidance. We also encourage raising issues early so that we can address them together. **We Offer** Lund University is a government authority, which means you will receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension. The workplace offers flexible working hours and the possibility to allocate a small portion of the work remotely. Read more on the university's website about being employed with us: https://www.lu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss. **Job Responsibilities and Areas of Responsibility** You will have specific responsibility for evaluating the vascular protective effects of LATS2 inhibition in smooth muscle. The work involves experimental studies on genetically modified mice as well as bioinformatics analyses of RNA sequencing data. **Qualifications** Requirements for the position are: - PhD or equivalent foreign degree in vascular physiology - Medical degree - Documented experience in vascular research focusing on smooth muscle, gene regulation, and functional analyses of vascular contraction - Documented independence and ability to collaborate, for example, through published works as "corresponding author" with other research groups Desirable qualifications for the position include: - Experience in bioinformatics analyses of RNA sequencing - Granted research funding as the principal investigator **Other** The position is a fixed-term employment for one year at 60 percent, with a desired start date of February 15, 2026, or by agreement. **How to Apply** The position is applied for through the university's recruitment system. The application should include a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a CV, degree certificates or equivalent, and any other documents you wish to submit (copies of grades, references, recommendation letters, etc.). **More Information about the Faculty of Medicine** The Faculty of Medicine is an operational area within Lund University, responsible for education and research in medicine, care, and health. The education is conducted in close collaboration with healthcare and is well anchored in the faculty's strong research tradition. The faculty's research spans a broad field of experimental basic research, patient-centered clinical research, and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine, with over 1,800 employees and 2,700 students in Lund, Malmö, and Helsingborg, is an intensive knowledge hub for students, teachers, and researchers from around the world. We kindly decline all contacts from advertising sellers, recruitment, and staffing companies due to government procurement regulations.