Postdoctoral researcher in Clinical microbiology

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.

About the research group

The Clinical Microbiology Research Group conducts research in the field of microbiology and has for many years been at the forefront of research in this area. The group is led by Professor K. Riesbeck and consists of research and technical staff. The research activities are based at the Wallenberg Laboratory in Malmö. You can read more about our exciting research here.

Within the research group, we are committed to maintaining a positive working environment characterized by mutual respect and consideration. We strive to provide a workplace that is stimulating and offers opportunities for professional development for all employees. We continuously work to create conditions that promote job satisfaction, professional growth, and active participation. We place great importance on both physical safety and a healthy psychosocial work environment.

Project description

The project aims to investigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Gram-negative bacteria, with a particular focus on identifying mechanisms of resistance to clinically important antibiotics. Bacterial isolates will be analysed using microbiological and molecular biology methods. The results will be used to characterise the prevalence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. The overall aim is to contribute to improved diagnostics, treatment, and surveillance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Duties and responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will conduct research focusing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with particular emphasis on Gram-negative bacteria. You will perform experimental laboratory work and be responsible for, among other tasks, the cultivation and characterisation of bacterial isolates, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and analysis of antibiotic susceptibility.

An important part of the position will also involve bioinformatic analysis of genomic data. You will analyse and interpret sequencing data to characterise bacterial isolates, identify genes and genetic mechanisms associated with antimicrobial resistance, and investigate genetic relationships and patterns of dissemination among isolates. The work will involve integrating microbiological, phenotypic, and genomic data to address the research questions of the projects.

You will play an active role in the planning, implementation, and coordination of research projects, as well as in the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research findings. You will have particular responsibility for coordinating a collaborative research project initiated together with researchers in Ukraine. This includes scientific communication, coordination of project activities, follow-up of the different components of the project, and coordination of sample and data flows between collaborating partners.

Your duties will also include supervision of Master's students, other students, and doctoral students in their research projects, including laboratory work, data analysis, and bioinformatics. You will be expected to contribute actively to the scientific development of the research group by initiating and developing new research questions, preparing scientific publications, and writing and contributing to national and international research grant applications.

The position provides opportunities for both scientific and pedagogical development. Teaching and other educational activities may therefore be included in the duties, as well as opportunities to participate in training in higher education teaching and learning.

Qualifications

The position requires:

• A doctoral degree (PhD) in molecular microbiology or another closely related field considered relevant to the position by the employer.
• Documented experience of experimental laboratory work in microbiology and molecular biology.
• Experience in cultivation and characterisation of bacteria, including assays examining virulence, i.e. complement resistance etc., and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Experience with molecular methods for studying antimicrobial resistance, particularly pandrug resistant (PDR) bacteria.
• Experience in bioinformatic analysis, particularly the analysis and interpretation of genomic and/or sequencing data.
• Experience of animal experiments.
• Excellent skills in English speech and writing.
• Documented experience of publishing scientific research in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent ability to communicate scientific results in spoken and written English.
• Ability to work independently and to plan, conduct, and coordinate research projects.
• Ability to develop and carry out research of high quality.
• Pedagogical skills.

Merits for the position:

Priority will be given to applicants who obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline.

About the position

Lund University is a public authority, which means that you will receive particular benefits, generous annual leave, and a favourable occupational pension scheme. Read more about working at Lund University on our website: Work at Lund University.

The position is a fixed-term appointment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, in accordance with the collective agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher (Swedish Agency for Government Employers). Preliminary start date 2026-10-01, or by agreement. It is a fulltime position, carried out on site in Malmö, Sweden. A postdoctoral position is intended as an early career step and an opportunity to further develop and broaden research expertise.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through Lund 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.
• Degree certificates.
• A CV or equivalent documentation.
• Any other documents you wish to submit in support of your application (copies of academic transcripts, contact details for referees, letters of recommendation, etc.).

The Faculty of Medicine is a part of Lund University, and is responsible for education and research within medicine and healthcare. Our academic programs are closely linked with the healthcare system and are firmly anchored in the faculty’s strong research tradition. Our research spans a broad field within experimental preclinical research, near-patient clinical research and health sciences research. The Faculty of Medicine, with its 1,800 employees and 2,700 students in Lund and Malmö, is a knowledge-intensive meeting place for students, teachers and researchers from all over the world.

The Department of Translational Medicine is one of the six departments at the Faculty of Medicine, Lund University. We conduct basic science in a laboratory setting, point-of-care and clinical research as well as carry out epidemiological studies.

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Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 | Ort: Malmö | Län: Skåne län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: PA2026/2350 | Kontakt: Sarah Quist +4640391055, Sarah Quist +4640391055, Kristian Riesbeck 0730-377433, Kristian Riesbeck 0730-377433, | 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: 2026-08-17 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-09-01