PhD student Structural/molecular biology and Drug discovery Lund, Sweden

If you have a passion for structural biology, molecular biology, drug discovery and drug delivery, and want to work in an interdisciplinary setting at Lund University at faculty of medicine- this is the doctoral program for you!

We are looking for outstanding graduates from all over the world and are delighted to provide them with the best possible conditions for their scientific careers. The graduate program Lund University at faculty of medicine provides an interdisciplinary education for doctoral candidates at the interface of molecular life sciences and clinical science. In addition, the candidate will be employed and strongly connected to the scientific activities at RISE, the Swedish Research Institute and Innovation partner.

About us

Short summary of the project
Gut bacteria play a fundamental role in obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Dysregulation of microbially derived metabolite production, in particular the production of imidazole propionate (ImP) was recently associated with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, ImP was shown to be increased in subjects with type 2 diabetes, and ImP was shown to impair glucose tolerance and reduce insulin signaling. ImP is produced by a specific bacterial enzyme, called urocanate reductase (UrdA), which was recently structurally characterized by Lindkvist laboratory. In this project we are setting out to perform a detailed structural and functional approach to develop novel inhibitors targeting UrdA to block the production of ImP. For this we will apply SAXS analyses, in-silico screening and NMR analyses to provide leads for blocking the activity of UrdA. Moreover, drug-delivery methods will be exploited to develop optimal ways to target bacteria in the colon with slow-release. Thus, when this project is executed, we will not only have resolved the detailed mechanism of action of UrdA but also developed approaches on how to target human gut microbiota metabolites.

RISE institutes of Sweden
Is an international collaboration with industry, academia and the public sector, we ensure the competitiveness of the business community and contribute to a sustainable society. Our employees support and promote all manner of innovative processes. RISE is an independent, state-owned research institute that offers unique expertise and about 100 testbeds and demonstration facilities, instrumental in future-proofing technologies, products and services. www.ri.se

Section for Formulation Development at RISE
In the section for formulation development, industry-funded research and development activities and grant-funded research are conducted in the formulation area. The section focuses on pharmaceuticals, foods, cosmetics and cleaning. We are looking for you who want to take on the challenge of formulating pharmaceuticals to modulate the microbiota. The goal is to have an efficient encapsulation with high viability, and release into the colon.

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Experimental Medical Science
Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition. Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Your role
You will be based at the medical faculty in Lund and also at RISE in Lund. In addition, there will be traveling to Stockholm and Gothenburg within the PhD education. The group for Medical Structural biology is located at the Biomedical Center (BMC) at Lund University and is led by Professor Karin Lindkvist. You will have good access to state-of-the-art facilities both within the medical, science and engineering faculties and close proximity to the nearby synchrotron MAX IV Laboratoryand ESS neutron beam facilities as well as access to the newly inaugurated cryo-EM microscope.

We offer you

• cutting-edge research within medical structural biology with unique conditions as you will be employed at RISE and admitted to the doctoral program at faculty of medicine at Lund University
• 4 years funding to work on your doctoral project

• A degree from Lund University
• Excellent structured supervision 
• A diverse community to exchange ideas with
• A flexible and challenging curriculum of scientific courses and transferable skills 
• Support for attending conferences to present your work 
• An international graduate program in one of Europe's most exciting cities

Your profile

Requirements

• An above-average master's or comparable degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or any related areas, awarded by December 2025 or earlier
• Some experience with protein biochemistry and/or structural biologi 
• Very good written and spoken English

Do you want to know more or apply?
Prepare your CV and motivation letter, your academic record and the name of two referees willing to provide references, then apply by the latest 1^st of October 2025. You are welcome to submit your application as soon as possible, as we make an ongoing selection. Short-listed candidates are invited for interviews to Lund/or online.

Successful candidates start their doctorate as soon as possible, and at the latest the 1^st of December 2025

RISE is collaborating with Lund University in this recruitment process. By applying, you acknowledge that Lund University also have access to your application.

For more information and relevant research articles, please contact Karin Lindkvist, Professor, 0734-222786, e-mail: Karin.lindkvist@med.lu.se , or Christopher Söderberg, Supervisor, tel: +46 10 516 6028, e-mail: christopher.soderberg@ri.se

Our union representatives are Ingemar Petermann, SACO, +46 10 228 41 22 and Linda Ikatti, Unionen, +46 10 516 51 61.