Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
The Department of Molecular Biology seeks a postdoctoral researcher for a temporary position for two years on full-time. The position is expected to start 1 September 2026 or upon agreement.
Description of the project
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in Medical Science to characterize and improve small molecules able to kill biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus and to identify their mechanism-of-action.
The laboratory is mainly interested in understanding how pathogenic bacteria cause infections, as well as killing such pathogenic bacteria or preventing their infection. In this project, we aim to identify small molecules able to kill the bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus while being in a biofilm as well as understanding the mechanism-of-action and exact target molecule. Candidate molecules will be modified to increase potency and decrease toxicity before their activity will be tested in suitable model organisms.
Part of the project will be carried out in collaboration with the biotech company QureTech Bio AB (www.quretech.com), located in Umeå, which will give you a possibility of gaining knowledge of drug development from an industrial perspective.
Work responsibilities
In this project, you will carry out a broad range of experimental techniques. You will perform chemical analyses (e.g. SPR, fluorescence and luminescence-analyses) bacteriological methods (e.g. bacterial growth in culture, on plates and in biofilms, as well as human cell culture infection experiments and chicken embryo infections), molecular biology methods (e.g. DNA cloning, mutational analysis, Tn-seq, RNA and protein expression analyses) and protein and lipid chemistry analyses.
You will also design, perform, analyze and document experiments; present research findings at scientific conferences; and write manuscripts in collaboration with the group leader.
You are expected to participate in group meetings, journal clubs and seminars within the research group, at the Department of Molecular Biology, and at relevant international meetings. You will also participate in the operational activities at QureTech Bio AB.
Eligibility
A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in microbial biology is eligible for appointment as postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time at which the appointment decision is made.
You must have very good documented personal experience of standard microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemical methods as well as bacterial genetics and infection biology methods. You also need to show documented previous experience working with small antibacterial molecules
You should have a documented ability to successfully publish in reputed international journals, be organized, highly motivated, have very good communication skills, both oral and written communication in English, be able to work independently, and show the ability to interact in a team. You should also be able to supervise students in the lab.
Additional useful qualifications
Since the project will require collaboration between different teams and researchers with different knowledge, previous experience of such collaborations is considered a merit. Knowledge of pharmaceutical chemistry and organic chemistry is also a merit. You should have demonstrated international working mobility and be able to take initiative.
Since appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is a career-development position for junior researchers, we are primarily interested in applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an applicant who has completed their degree earlier than that may be considered. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointments of trust for a trade union organisation or other similar circumstances, and for relevant duties/assignments within the subject area.
When working in the group, you should contribute to an inclusive culture and a positive working environment. Therefore, you should be able to communicate, be cooperative and be able to collaborate. You should show openness and a welcoming attitude, show respect, compassion and empathy. You care and support colleagues from different backgrounds and with different perspectives and you promote a healthy balance between work and private life, both for you and your co-workers. A large weight will be put on personal suitability for the position.
More information about the position
The appointment is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years in accordance with the terms of contract for fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher.
More information about the research conducted in the group can be found on their webpage: Jörgen Johansson.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
