John Löfblom new Programme Director for MSc Medical Biotechnology
Since the beginning of November 2021, John Löfblom is the new Programme Director for the Master’s programme Medical Biotechnology. He is looking forward to being part of the development of the programme.
Could you tell us a bit about your background?
“In 2002, I took my Degree of Master of Science in Engineering, in Chemical engineering at KTH. I defended my doctoral thesis in Biotechnology in 2008, that too at KTH. That same year I got financing from Vinnova for a two year long postdoc in the industry, focusing on early development of protein-based drugs in the area of cancer treatment.”
“After my postdoc I returned to KTH and was hired as Assistant Professor in Combinatorial protein engineering. In 2014 I became a docent at KTH and in 2015 I was promoted Associate Professor and finally, in 2020, Professor.”
Why did you apply for this position?
“I have always taken a great interest in education, and I hope and think that the role as Programme Director will suit me, and that I can contribute to the continuing development of MSc Medical Biotechnology.”
What do you look forward to the most?
“As a teacher, supervisor and examiner I have been involved in the education for a long time, but not on a programme level. It will be exciting to lead the work and development of the Master’s programme together with other Programme Directors and the Education Administration.”
“I also look forward to interacting with the students, for example helping them to find degree projects and discussing suitable courses and exchange studies. It will be fun to meet the students in another role than as a teacher and to be able to see them develop.”
What is your research field today?
“My research is about engineering proteins with new tailored properties, largely aimed at medical applications with the long-term goal of developing new diagnostics and therapies in disease areas such as cancer and dementia.”
You’re a researcher and you also tutor five doctoral students, how will you make time for everything?
“Well, I was a bit hesitant at first – there are so many different tasks and you really have to find a balance. The assignment as Programme Director will take up 20 percent of my time, but the hours are not evenly distributed throughout the year, of course. In times of admissions there will be a higher workload for me, when I have to evaluate the applications. And it’s also my job to represent the programme at, for example, Education Fairs and to keep in contact with other universities. But the assignment was really tempting, so I decided to apply after all. I appreciate the opportunity.”
Text: Åsa Karsberg