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 November 2026 or upon agreement.
Description of the project and work responsibilities
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which invade and replicate within red blood cells. Disease arises from the destruction of red blood cells and the accumulation of infected cells within microvasculature inside organs in a process termed organ sequestration. To establish its replicative niche and facilitate nutrient uptake, waste excretion, and adhesion within the microvasculature, the parasites export hundreds of parasite proteins into the infected host cell. Genome-scale genetic screens have established which putative exported parasite proteins are important for blood-stage infection. However, exactly which cellular processes these proteins participate in remains unknown for majority of exported proteins.
This project will exploit the genetic tractability and access to the mouse in vivo model of the murine malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei, to systematically investigate the role of exported proteins in malaria infection and disease.
You will design and apply scalable genetic tools and novel assays to identify those parasite genes that encode exported proteins important for parasite host cell invasion, proliferation and organ sequestration. The most interesting candidate genes will be followed up by in-depth analysis in P. berghei as well as the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.
You will carry out experimental and bioinformatic work, design experiments, present your findings, write manuscripts, help supervising students and actively contribute to a collegial 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.
You should have experience in molecular cloning methods including gene targeting vector design and construction, with specific working knowledge of CRISPR/Cas9. Experience in culturing and transfecting eukaryotic parasites, as well as experience and education in laboratory animal science (rodents), 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.
Experience with confocal microscopy, immunofluorescence and FACS is highly desirable.
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 lab 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.
More information about the research conducted in the group can be found on our webpage: Ellen Bushell.
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 30 September 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.
