Lund University Doctoral Student in Biophysical Chemistry and Protein Self-Assembly 2026 | Fully Funded PhD in Sweden

If you’re looking for a fully funded PhD in biophysical chemistry, protein science, or nanotechnology, the Lund University Doctoral Student in Biophysical Chemistry and Protein Self-Assembly 2026 position offers an exciting opportunity. Hosted by the Department of Chemistry at Lund University, this doctoral project focuses on AI-designed proteins, protein self-assembly, cryo-electron microscopy, and sustainable nanotechnology.

The project is based at the Center for Molecular Protein Science (CMPS) in Lund, Sweden, where you’ll work in an interdisciplinary research environment alongside experts in protein design, structural biology, biochemistry, and semiconductor physics. Successful candidates will receive a monthly salary as a university employee while pursuing a four-year doctoral degree. The application deadline is 2 July 2026.

Programme Highlights

ParticularDetails
PositionDoctoral Student in Biophysical Chemistry and Protein Self-Assembly
UniversityLund University
FacultyFaculty of Engineering (LTH)
DepartmentDepartment of Chemistry
Research CentreCenter for Molecular Protein Science (CMPS)
DivisionBiophysical Chemistry
CountrySweden
CityLund
Employment TypeFull-time Temporary Doctoral Employment
Duration4 Years
Research AreaBiophysical Chemistry, Protein Self-Assembly, Nanotechnology
SalaryMonthly Salary
Start Date1 September 2026 (or according to agreement)
Application Deadline2 July 2026

About the Programme

Lund University, founded in 1666, is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities. With approximately 46,000 students and 8,500 employees, it consistently ranks among the world’s leading institutions for education and research.

This PhD position is offered by the Division of Biophysical Chemistry within the Center for Molecular Protein Science (CMPS), Department of Chemistry. CMPS brings together around 70 researchers across 15 research groups working in biochemistry, molecular biophysics, structural biology, physical chemistry, and theoretical chemistry.

The successful candidate will join the research group led by Kristine Steen Jensen and contribute to an interdisciplinary project exploring how AI-designed proteins can self-assemble into two-dimensional nanostructures. These programmable protein materials have potential applications in sustainable biofabrication and semiconductor technologies.

The project combines molecular biology, spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, and protein engineering to develop next-generation functional biomaterials. Candidates will also collaborate closely with computational protein designers, biochemists, and semiconductor physicists to improve protein design strategies through experimental feedback.

Eligibility Criteria

General Admission Requirements

Applicants must have one of the following:

  • A second-cycle (Master’s) qualification
  • At least 240 ECTS credits, including 60 credits at second-cycle level
  • Equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or abroad

Specific Admission Requirements

Applicants should possess:

  • An MSc in Engineering, a one-year Master’s degree, or an equivalent qualification with substantial coursework in:
    • Mathematics
    • Molecular sciences
    • Life sciences
  • Relevant advanced coursework may include:
    • Physical chemistry
    • Biophysical chemistry
    • Protein science
    • Molecular spectroscopy

Applicants must also demonstrate the potential to successfully complete doctoral studies.

Additional Requirements

Candidates should have:

  • Experience in experimental protein characterization
  • Experience with quantitative biophysical measurements and data analysis
  • Strong understanding of protein structure and molecular interactions
  • Scientific curiosity and analytical thinking
  • Ability to work independently
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Initiative and collaboration skills
  • Excellent written and spoken English

Preferred Qualifications

The following will be considered an advantage:

  • Experience producing recombinant proteins
  • Experience using cryo-electron microscopy for protein structure characterization
  • Experience studying protein self-assembly
  • Quantitative analysis of protein assembly experiments

Benefits & Funding

Doctoral students are employed by Lund University and receive the same employment benefits as university staff.

Benefits include:

  • Monthly salary
  • Four-year full-time employment
  • Employment extension for teaching duties (up to 20%)
  • Paid annual leave
  • Occupational pension
  • Access to advanced research facilities
  • Interdisciplinary research collaboration
  • Opportunities to attend seminars and international conferences
  • Supervision by experienced researchers
  • Professional development and teaching experience

Job Profile & Responsibilities

The doctoral student will conduct experimental research on protein self-assembly while participating in doctoral education.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Filter and select AI-designed proteins for experimental characterization
  • Express and purify recombinant proteins
  • Design protein assemblies containing non-canonical amino acids with metal-binding properties
  • Develop high-throughput screening assays
  • Perform spectroscopic characterization of two-dimensional protein self-assemblies
  • Conduct cryogenic electron microscopy studies of protein-metal assemblies
  • Collaborate with computational protein designers
  • Contribute to protein design strategies using experimental results
  • Participate in doctoral courses, seminars, and conferences
  • Undertake teaching and departmental duties (maximum 20%)

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  1. Academic qualifications
  2. Research experience
  3. Experimental protein characterization skills
  4. Knowledge of protein science and biophysical chemistry
  5. Independent research potential
  6. Analytical and problem-solving abilities
  7. Communication skills
  8. English language proficiency
  9. Motivation and suitability for the research project

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for further evaluation or interviews.

How to Apply

Required Documents

  1. Updated CV
  2. Cover letter explaining:
    • Your motivation for applying
    • How your academic background matches the research project
  3. Degree certificates
  4. Academic transcripts
  5. Contact details for two references
  6. Grade transcripts
  7. Recommendation letters (if available)
  8. Any additional supporting documents

Applications should be submitted through Lund University’s official recruitment portal before the application deadline.

Important Dates

EventDate
Application Opens11 June 2026
Last Date to Apply2 July 2026
Employment Starts1 September 2026 (or according to agreement)

Important Links

ResourceDetails
Official Application PortalLund University Recruitment System
Official University WebsiteLund University
Faculty WebsiteFaculty of Engineering (LTH)
Job ReferencePA2026/2009

Contact Details

Dr. Kristine Steen Jensen
Department of Chemistry
Lund University
Phone: +46 46 222 8243
Email: kristine_steen.jensen@chem.lu.se
Jessica Edwinsson
Email: jessica.edwinsson@chem.lu.se
Location: Lund, Sweden

Why This PhD Opportunity Is Worth Considering

This doctoral position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of protein engineering, biophysical chemistry, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology. The research combines advanced laboratory techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and genetic code expansion to develop programmable protein materials for future technologies.

Working within the internationally recognized Center for Molecular Protein Science, you’ll collaborate with experts from multiple scientific disciplines while contributing to sustainable materials research with applications in biofabrication and semiconductor science. The combination of full employment, cutting-edge facilities, and interdisciplinary collaboration makes this a highly attractive PhD opportunity for students pursuing careers in academia or research.

FAQs

Who can apply for the Lund University Doctoral Student in Biophysical Chemistry and Protein Self-Assembly 2026?
Applicants with a relevant Master’s degree in engineering, molecular sciences, life sciences, or a closely related field who meet the admission requirements are eligible to apply.

Is this a fully funded PhD?
Yes. Doctoral students are employed by Lund University and receive a monthly salary along with employee benefits.

What is the research focus of this PhD?
The project focuses on AI-designed proteins, protein self-assembly, cryo-electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and sustainable nanotechnology for future biofabrication and semiconductor applications.

What is the application deadline for Lund University PhD in Biophysical Chemistry 2026?
The last date to apply is 2 July 2026.

Where is the position located Lund University PhD in Biophysical Chemistry 2026?
The doctoral position is based at the Center for Molecular Protein Science (CMPS), Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Sweden.

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