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 Medical and Translational Biology is announcing a postdoctoral position in medical science with a focus on experimental research on the musculotendinous system. The employment period is at least two and at most three years, full-time, with a start date of 2026-10-01 or as agreed.
Description of the project
Our research group investigates the mechanisms that regulate tendon healing and the functional communication between muscle and tendon cells. The overall aim of the project is to characterize and identify factors within the muscle cell secretome during both mechanical loading and unloading, and to elucidate their role in tendon healing and the underlying signaling pathways.
Wound-healing-related processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, collagen production, and matrix organization are analyzed using advanced in vitro models, including three-dimensional cell culture systems. We also model the inflammatory process involved in tendon healing by culturing inflammatory cells to better understand their role in the healing process.
To identify previously unknown mediators involved in the interaction between muscle and tendon cells, we use large-scale omics approaches, including RNA sequencing and proteomics. The project also includes the collection and analysis of blood samples from individuals before and after intervention, in order to investigate their effects in our in vitro models and to establish the foundation for a future clinical pilot study.
Work responsibilities
This is a translational research project that combines advanced in vitro models with analyses of blood samples collected from individuals before and after exercise/intervention. The project aims to investigate how systemic factors influence tendon healing and to establish the foundation for a future clinical pilot study.
You will have a central and independent role in the project and will work with:
Establishment, isolation, culture, and differentiation of primary human muscle, tendon, and inflammatory cells, with a particular focus on macrophages.
Application of in vitro models for mechanical loading of muscle cells.
Three-dimensional in vitro models for tendon formation and tendon healing.
Omics techniques, including sample preparation, data analysis, and interpretation of results from methods such as RNA sequencing and proteomics.
Protein analyses using methods such as Western blot and ELISA.
Gene expression analysis, including quantitative PCR (qPCR) for analysis of mRNA expression.
Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry, including tissue preparation, sectioning, and staining.
Microscopic analyses with a focus on confocal microscopy and image analysis.
Contributions to study design, method development, and selection of analytical strategies.
Visualization and presentation of data, as well as participation in the writing of scientific publications.
Close collaboration with researchers and other members of the project team.
Eligibility
A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate 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.
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.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with documented experience contributing to challenging and productive research. You should have the ability to work both independently and in close collaboration with the research group. A strong background in experimental research is desirable, particularly experience with molecular and biochemical laboratory techniques such as qPCR, immunochemistry, and Western blotting, as well as primary cell culture of human muscle and tendon cells and work with inflammatory cells, with a particular focus on macrophages. Experience with three-dimensional cell culture models for tendon formation and tendon healing, as well as mechanical loading models, is considered an advantage. Experience with co-culture systems involving different cell types is also meritorious.
Great emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s collaborative skills and suitability for the specific project.
More information about the position
The appointment is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years, with the possibility of extension for a third year, in accordance with the terms of employment for postdoctoral researchers. The start date is 2026, 1 October, or as agreed. A prerequisite for the application of the agreement is that the employee has not previously been employed as a postdoctoral researcher under the agreement for more than one year within the same or a closely related subject area with the same employer.
More information about the group's research can be found on our website (Backman Lab)
Application
The 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 other relevant degrees
Contact details of two reference persons
The application must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest June 5th 2026.
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.
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