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.
Project description and work tasks
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which invade and replicate within red blood cells. Upon infection, the parasite cloaks itself in a protective vacuole, and parasite replication is intimately linked to membrane biogenesis and remodeling. The lipids required are derived from a combination of host scavenging, reassembly and parasite de novo synthesis, which in turn depend on extensive lipid metabolism and transport. The exact contribution of host-derived lipids and how they are transported into the parasite is not fully understood. Similarly, the mechanisms for moving lipids in-between membranes and between the two leaflets of the lipid bilayer remain to be resolved.
This project will combine the genetic tractability of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) with established cutting-edge methods to study membrane dynamics and lipid transport in mammalian systems. The purpose is to resolve the molecular mechanisms that underpin lipid transport and membrane dynamics in malaria parasites.
First, you will establish methods to label, track and image lipids at high resolution in P. berghei using super-resolution microscopy. Second, reverse genetics will be used to epitope-tag parasite lipid-transport proteins to determine protein localisation and to generate loss-of-function mutants to study the effect on lipid flow and metabolism. Finally, lipid-transport proteins and parasite membrane structures will be visualised at an ultrastructural level using cryo-correlative light electron microscopy (CLEM) combined with in situ cryo-electron tomography.
You will carry out experimental and bioinformatic work, design experiments, present your findings, write manuscripts, help supervise students, and actively contribute to a collegial and collaborative lab culture.
Eligibility
A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in biological sciences 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 should be highly motivated and able to work productively in a team as well as independently. Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with colleagues and peers are required. Proficiency in written and spoken English also required. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.
The successful candidate should have experience in molecular cloning methods such as gene targeting vector design and construction or experience in microscopy, with experience in advanced imaging techniques such super resolution microscopy or electron microscopy being strongly merited. Experience in culturing and transfecting eukaryotic parasites or mammalian cells is also required.
Additional useful qualifications
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.
Expertise and experience in membrane and lipid biology or lipidomics is highly desirable. Experience and education in laboratory animal science (rodents) is also desirable but not required, as training is can be provided.
As an employee with us, you 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. You maintain openness and a welcoming attitude, showing respect, compassion, and empathy. You engage with and support colleagues from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and promote a healthy work-life balance for both yourself and others.
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.
You will be based in the laboratory of Ellen Bushell at the Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University. The Bushell lab is a part of the Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), the Swedish node of the Nordic European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Partnership for Molecular Medicine. The project is co-supervised by Richard Lundmark at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology and conducted in collaboration with Simone Mattei at EMBL in Heidelberg. The project is funded through the EMBL initiative Amplifying Funds in Infection Biology and includes opportunities for research visits to EMBL partner laboratories.
More information about the research conducted in the respective groups can be found on their webpages: Ellen Bushell and Richard Lundmark.
The application must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi and received no later than 19 May 2026.
A complete application must include:
A brief description of your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in the position.
CV
List of publications
Degree certificate from doctoral studies and any other relevant degrees
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.
