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 Ecology, Environment, and Geoscience seeks a postdoctoral researcher in molecular ecology (or related field). The employment is on full-time for 2 years and 10 months, with expected starting date 1 September 2026 or according to agreement. Last application date is July 31st, 2026.
Project description and working tasks We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join project “Rapid Detect—Transboundary Action: Fast Species Detection using LAMP” at the Department of Ecology, Environment, and Geoscience, PI Associate Professor Anu Valtonen. This project is a collaboration among Umeå University, University of Eastern Finland, University of Oulu, and Natural Resources Institute Finland, funded by Interreg Aurora. The project seeks to apply LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification), a molecular species identification/detection method, to a range of species that are invasive or endangered in Northern Fennoscandia. The successful candidate will be responsible for laboratory work in this project, further developing the method for practical application to contexts in ecology and conservation. Main tasks will include testing newly designed primer sets on samples derived from a range of tissues and substrates and extracting DNA from these diverse substrates as needed. An important goal of Rapid Detect is to engage relevant stakeholders, and the postdoctoral researcher will play an important role in streamlining the method for potential uptake by external parties, creating guidelines and eventually organizing a webinar and hands-on workshop. Where possible, samples will be sourced via partners, and the postdoctoral researcher will be partially responsible for obtaining samples from Sweden.
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.
The doctoral degree should be in Molecular Biology, Ecology, or a related field.
For this employment, we are looking for a person with a strong interest in practical applications of molecular biology and enthusiasm for developing new experimental approaches. The following qualifications are required:
Experience in relevant DNA extraction and amplification approaches (possibly but not necessarily including LAMP).
Performing and coordinating lab work and lab material acquisitions independently.
Understanding of the practical considerations in molecular field monitoring methods.
The ability to clearly communicate and strategize with project partners and non-specialists alike, online and in person.
Creativity in problem-solving when dealing with novel materials or deviating from established protocols.
Excellent written and oral English language skills.
Merits We do not expect the selected candidate to be proficient in all of the following from the outset, but they should be eager to obtain the relevant skills or knowledge. The following are considered advantageous:
Experience with field sampling methods or species monitoring.
Involvement in science communication and outreach activities.
Familiarity with Swedish ecological monitoring institutes or companies.
Knowledge on endangered and/or invasive alien species in Northern Fennoscandia.
On a personal level, we are looking for someone who can bear responsibility for their own independent work while simultaneously smoothly collaborating with partners across several institutes. We would like you to:
Be able to organize and structure your work.
Deliver results as agreed upon.
Be proactive, engaged, and willing to show and take initiative.
Be interested in sharing your knowledge.
Application A full application, written in Swedish or English, should include:
Cover letter (max. 2 pages) stating how your previous research experience fits with this post doc project,
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,
Verified copies of certificates from higher education,
Copy of doctoral thesis (with articles included to the thesis),
References will be requested prior to the potential interview.
The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. The closing date is 31 July 2026.
Contact Further details are provided by Anu Valtonen (anu.valtonen@umu.se).
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.
