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.
Umeå University’s Department of Molecular Biology is seeking a Postdoctor to develop an efficient, high-throughput platform for the transcriptional profiling of single microorganisms. The employment is full-time for two years with access as soon as possible or by agreement.
Project description and work tasks
Traditional "bulk" analysis provides an average view of microbial populations, often masking the individual cell behaviors such as antibiotic persistence or rare virulence triggers that drive infection and pathogenesis. To address this, our project utilizes novel semi-permeable capsule technology, molecular barcoding, and high-dimensional data analytics to interrogate prokaryotic cells at the single-cell level.
The successful candidate will apply these tools to Yersinia and other bacterial species to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind adaptive responses. Yersinia serves as a key model due to its complex survival strategies and zoonotic potential, offering a unique opportunity to uncover single-cell drivers that conventional methods cannot detect.
Working within a multidisciplinary environment, the candidate will collaborate with various research groups, expand professional network and acquire advanced biochemical and computational skills. This project builds upon our team’s established expertise, including recent work published in Science. We invite applications from motivated candidates eager to contribute to the development of next-generation microbial technologies.
Further details are provided by:
Linas Mazutis, Guest Professor
Department of Molecular Biology linas.mazutis@umu.se
Qualifications
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area
We are looking for a candidate who has completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biophysics or equivalent.
Additional requirements
This is a challenging but highly impactful project. Therefore, the candidate is expected to have thorough methodological training in molecular biology or biochemistry, or other relevant fields.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required.
Further, the project will be implemented in collaboration with other researchers at the Department of Molecular Biology. For this employment you should be cooperative and proactive.
Merits
Experience in molecular cloning, nucleic acid analysis, good understanding of DNA processing enzymes and scRNA-Seq protocols.
Other
Candidates capable of applying a problem-solving approaches, able to properly plan and execute experiments, and to make progress on their own initiative, are highly welcome to apply.
As an employee with us, candidate can contribute to fostering an inclusive culture and a positive work environment. This involves communicating effectively across differences, demonstrating a collaborative spirit and the ability to work well with others. We maintain openness and welcoming attitude, showing respect, compassion, and empathy. We expect the same from you. We engage with and support colleagues from diverse backgrounds and perspectives and promote a healthy work-life balance.
Application
The application must be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. The last day to apply is 4 May 2026.
Cover letter and your reasoning of applying,
Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.
Contact information to two persons willing to act as references.
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.
