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 who will work with the interaction between diet, gut microbiota and intestinal mucus function. The employment is full-time for two years with expected start in September, 2026 or by agreement. Application deadline is 10 June 2026.
Project description and working tasks
With the aim to better understand the interaction between gut microbiota and host, this research project aims to characterize how specific dietary regimens can affect the composition of the gut microbiota and the function of the intestinal mucus layer.
The project will be carried out in the Schröder lab, located in the Department of Molecular Biology, which is part of the Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR). The position will include a variety of molecular biology approaches, anaerobic bacterial culturing, ex vivo and in vivo experiments as well as state-of-the-art mucus measurements and imaging techniques. Additionally, data-driven approaches will be used to analyse the generated complex datasets.
The specific work responsibilities of the postdoctoral researcher include:
· Test how a specific dietary regimen affects mucus penetrability of viable tissue.
· Test how a specific dietary regimen affects mucus growth rate of viable tissue.
· Analyse tissue and stool samples from in vivo experiments.
· Use enzymatic approaches to investigate specific microbial mucus degradation capacity in vitro.
· Perform computational analyses to investigate gut microbiota composition and function.
· Perform computational analyses to investigate gut microbiota metabolites.
The selected candidate will use a combination of animal experiments, in vitro studies and in silico approaches to reach these aims. Work tasks also include designing, performing and documenting experiments, presenting research results at conferences and internal meetings, and writing publications under supervision by the group leader.
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 in Medical Science/Molecular Biology. 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.
Specific requirements
The postdoctoral candidate must have practical experience with intestinal ex vivo mucus function analyses as well as gut microbiota research, including fecal microbiota transplantation. Furthermore, experience in confocal microscopy, computational analysis of microbiota sequencing data using R or python as well as practical experience in working with mouse models is required.
Other requirements
The candidate must have demonstrated productivity through a strong publication record in internationally well-recognized scientific journals. Furthermore, the fellow needs to be organized, highly motivated and be able to work productively in a team as well as independently. Fluent oral and written communication in English is essential for this project.
Desirable skills
Previous experience with carbohydrate-active enzymes, tissue staining techniques as well as expertise in the fields of host-microbe interaction and intestinal diseases are strong merits. Furthermore, it is desirable that the candidate has excellent communication skills, for example recognized through collaborative projects or poster/presentation prizes.
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
A full application should include:
- Cover letter, clearly describing your research experience, motivation and how your expertise matches the requirements (max 1 page)
- Curriculum vitae (CV; max 2 pages)
- Publication list
- Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained
- Contact information of two persons willing to act as references.
All documents should be combined into one single .pdf file
The application must be written in English or Swedish and be made through our electronic recruitment system. The closing date is 10 June, 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.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
