Postdoctoral Position in Pharmaceutical Science

Lund University

Sweden

About Lund University

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 centres for education and research in the field of chemistry. PLE has around 150 employees, of which around 65 are PhD students. The department offers broad expertise in chemical engineering, food technology, biotechnology and applied microbiology. Research and education span the entire field of chemistry and include both undergraduate and graduate education.

The Department of Process Engineering and Applied Biosciences (PLE) actively promotes a positive working environment through open communication, collaboration, regular meetings and continuous dialogue on workplace safety.

Description of the Workplace

The Division of Food and Pharma conducts research in both food science and pharmaceutical technology.

Research topics within pharmaceutical technology include:

Lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery.
Protein corona formation on lipid nanoparticles.
Therapeutic protein formulations.
Protein interactions with excipients.
Drying and dry formulations.

These research areas require advanced characterization methods to study interactions, structure and behaviour.

The research group has well-established collaborations with the large-scale research facilities MAX IV and ESS, providing unique opportunities for cutting-edge research and access to international research networks.

Advanced X-ray and neutron scattering methods are central tools in several ongoing projects.

The division consists of professors, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students and technical staff, creating an interdisciplinary and international research environment with close collaboration across research areas.

The workplace is located at the Faculty of Engineering (LTH) in Lund and offers access to modern research infrastructure together with close collaboration with industrial and academic partners.

The working environment is characterized by openness, inclusiveness and collaboration, with strong encouragement for knowledge exchange and professional development.

Subject Description

The project concerns the development of a novel Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) system coupled with Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) as a sample environment at the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund.

The project is funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR) and is conducted in close collaboration with:

European Spallation Source (ESS)
ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (United Kingdom)

The purpose of AF4-SANS is to provide size-resolved characterization, allowing more detailed analysis of polydisperse samples and investigation of specific subpopulations within a sample.

The project is also supported by several international partners interested in establishing AF4-SANS at ESS. These collaborators will also contribute scientific research questions for future collaborative projects.

Work Duties

The primary responsibility of the position is research. Teaching may be included but will not exceed 20% of working hours.

The position also includes three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The purpose of the appointment is to develop research independence and support further professional development.

You will be responsible for leading the development of AF4-SANS, including applying for beamtime and designing experiments within the project.

The project includes travel, particularly to the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source in the United Kingdom.

Detailed Duties

Conduct research within the subject area.
Participate in and support other research projects, particularly those involving SANS and SAXS.
Participate in experiments at large research facilities such as MAX IV, ESS and ISIS.
Process and interpret SANS/SAXS data for this project and other research activities within the group.
Teach at first-, second- or third-cycle level.
Supervise degree projects and doctoral students.
Collaborate with industry and wider society.
Carry out administrative duties related to the position.

Qualification Requirements

Appointment to a postdoctoral position requires a PhD, or an equivalent international degree, in a subject relevant to the project.

The degree certificate must be available before the employment decision is made.

Priority will be given to applicants who completed their PhD no more than three years before the application deadline, although exceptions may apply under special circumstances.

Applicants should have:

Documented research experience in characterization of soft materials using SANS and/or SAXS.
Documented experience in advanced processing and interpretation of SANS and/or SAXS data.

Additional qualifications include:

Experience with analytical separation methods such as Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) or AF4.
Experience applying for and obtaining beamtime at neutron or synchrotron facilities.

Additional Requirements

PhD in a relevant field such as:
- Colloid Science
- Soft Matter
- Biophysics
- Pharmaceutical Formulation
- Or another closely related discipline.
Very good oral and written English.
Demonstrated collaborative skills, initiative and ability to work independently.

Assessment Criteria

This is a career development position with a primary focus on research.

Applicants will primarily be assessed on their research qualifications and future research potential.

Particular emphasis will be placed on:

Ability to develop and conduct high-quality research.
Teaching skills.

Additional consideration will be given to how the applicant's experience and expertise complement and strengthen the department's ongoing research and future development.

What We Offer

Lund University is a public authority, which means employees receive:

Generous annual leave.
An advantageous occupational pension scheme.
Attractive employee benefits.

Read more on the University website about working at Lund University.

Learn more about:

Why Lund University could be the right choice for you.
Working in Sweden.
Working in Lund.
Moving to Lund.
Living in Lund.

Further Information

This is a full-time fixed-term appointment for 3 years.

The employment period follows the agreement:

"Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor"
(Agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow)

Preferred Start Date: 1 September 2026 or as agreed.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through Lund University's recruitment system.

The application should include:

Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Personal letter explaining your interest in the position and how your qualifications match the project.
Degree certificate or equivalent.
Any additional documents you wish to have considered (such as academic transcripts, referee details or recommendation letters).

We welcome your application.

About LTH

LTH is Lund University's Faculty of Engineering.

At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and contribute to the development of society. We create opportunities for outstanding research and inspire innovation in technology, architecture and design.

LTH has nearly 12,000 students.

Each year, researchers publish around: