Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 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 postdoc to a project entitled “Molecular mechanisms of development and transmission of malaria parasites”. The position is full-time for two years, starting September 1, 2025 or upon agreement.
The host laboratory is part of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, the Swedish EMBL node. It is closely integrated with Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, its advanced research infrastructure and international networking opportunities.
Project description and work tasks
We are an interdisciplinary team of experimentalists, analysts and modelers, who collaborate to address important questions of malaria parasite development and transmission by mosquitoes. We are now looking for an experimental geneticist or an cryo-imaging expert for projects funded by the Wallenberg Foundation. Aim of the position is to study how molecular interactions between malaria parasite and the mosquitoes that transmit them determine the reproductive rate of malaria. In search of new transmission blocking strategies, we will work in an international collaboration to combine genome-scale genetic screens, single cell transcriptomics, metabolomics and metabolic modelling to gain a global mechanistic understanding of malaria transmission and determinants of vector competence. The lab has a strong track record of performing insightful genetic screens in different life cycle stages (e.g. Bushell et al., 2017; Stanway et al., 2019; Russell et al., 2023). The primary aim of the current project is to evolve and apply these powerful technologies for a deeper understanding of parasite-mosquito interactions.
For additional information, visit our lab page, billkerlab.org, or contact Oliver Billker oliver.billker@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.
Candidates should hold a PhD degree in molecular biology or a related experimental life science. You should be experienced in identifying gene functions through experimental genetics and cell biological approaches. You have an appreciation of global transcriptomic or proteomic data or other omics approaches. Alternatively, you have experience in advanced imaging techniques, including cryo-imaging. The willingness to work with a rodent model is essential. You should have a strong relevant research output, as evidenced by first authorship on publications presenting new research findings or molecular biology tools.
To be eligible, candidates must be fluent in spoken and written English. Since our projects are collaborative, candidates need to be able to work productively also in a team. Excellent communication skills are required for interacting effectively with colleagues and peers, including colleagues from complementary research fields
Knowledge of molecular parasitology or rodent research models would be advantages. Evidence of productive work in an interdisciplinary environment would be an advantage, as would be hands-on experience in single cell or omics approaches.
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.
Application
The application must be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Last day to apply is 13 August, 2025. Your application should include:
A personal cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, how you can contribute to the project and in which direction you may want to develop your research (no more than 2 A4 pages).
A curriculum vitae that documents academic education and past and previous employments.
Your publication list.
A copy of the PhD certificate and other relevant degree certificates, if available.
Names and contact details with e-mail addresses of two or three academic references.
We look forward to receiving your application!
More about us
The department provides a vibrant interfaculty research environment and there is access to a wide range of state-of-the-art imaging, metabolomics, genomics and screening facilities. You will join a research team that is part of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), which is internationally well-connected through the EMBL Nordic Partnership for Molecular Medicine.
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.
