Project assistant in phage-bacteria interactions of soil-dwelling bacteria (PA2026/1095)

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.

Professor Vasili Hauryliuk is the principal investigator of the Molecular Enzymology research group at the Department of Experimental Medical Science at Lund University. His research group focuses on the structural and functional characterization of the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial anti-phage defence systems.

Bacteria are constantly attacked by viruses known as bacteriophages. To withstand these attacks, bacteria employ a wide variety of anti-phage defence systems, the most well-known being CRISPR–Cas. In our laboratory, we discover new systems using bioinformatics, validate them through microbiological assays, and subsequently characterize the defence mechanisms at the molecular level. In this project, you will i) isolate pages infecting soil-dwelling bacteria, ii) test anti-phage defence systems encoded in genomes of target bacteria, iii) characterise the mechanism of defence in detail.

Lund University is a government agency, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favourable occupational pension. Read more on the university’s website about being an employee at Lunds University, Work at Lund University | Lund University . 

Employment as a project assistant is intended as an initial step in a research career and as an opportunity to further deepen and broaden research competence. Your tasks will be: i) isolate pages infecting soil-dwelling bacteria, ii) test anti-phage defence systems encoded in genomes of target bacteria, iii) characterise the mechanism of defence in detail.

• The successful applicant should hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant natural sciences discipline, such as microbiology, molecular biology or biotechnology.
• Expertise in the key approaches to be used in this project: i) Experience with working with soil-dwelling bacteria: Bacillus and Mesorhizobium, ii) Experience in genetic approaches applied to both phages and bacteria and iii) Experience in working on anti-phage defence systems, including mechanistic studies such as identification of triggers
• Knowledge of phage biology, with a particular focus on anti-phage defence systems.
• Knowledge of soil-dwelling bacteria biology.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities. The position requires that you are well organized in your work and able to work independently.

• Experience in plant-bacteria interaction studies is a strong merit.

The employment is a fixed-term position for one year, 100%, with a desired start date from 2026-09-01 or by agreement. 

Applications for this position must be submitted through the university’s recruitment system. Your application must include a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how it aligns with your qualifications. It must also include your resume, degree certificates or equivalent, and any other supporting documents you wish to submit (copies of transcripts, contact information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.