by
2025-12-19
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.
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We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to study how neural activity influences 3D genomics, the chromatin landscape, and cellular plasticity in glioblastoma. The position is a full-time, two-year appointment.
The postdoctoral position is funded by a Consolidator Grant from the Swedish Society for Medical Research (SSMF). The research group is affiliated with the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) at Umeå University. WCMM was established as part of a national initiative by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW) to strengthen life science research in Sweden. WCMM at Umeå University operates in close collaboration with Region Västerbotten, other WCMM centers across Sweden, and SciLifeLab.
The research group is based at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology at Umeå University, which hosts strong research environments in cancer, genetics, neuroscience, metabolism, and imaging. The center provides access to excellent infrastructure and is well equipped with all necessary instrumentation. The laboratory has a strong background in gene regulation and 3D chromatin organization in glioblastoma, epigenetics, bioinformatics, and basic cancer biology. We are now looking for an enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral fellow to join Silvia Remeseiro’s research group to study, within the framework of Cancer Neuroscience, how neuronal signals shape 3D genome organization and cellular plasticity in glioblastoma.
Project description
In recent years, research has shown that neurons actively influence cancer development by signaling to tumor cells and promoting tumor growth. A central mechanism involves neuron-to-glioma synapses, which transmit neuronal activity to glioblastoma cells, thereby driving tumor progression. This connects directly to our findings that provide mechanistic insight into the gene regulatory networks controlling neuron-glioma communication.
Chromatin organization regulates transcription by modulating 3D interactions between enhancers and promoters within the nucleus. In our previous work (Chakraborty et al., 2023, Nature Communications), we first showed that rewiring of 3D genome and epigenomic landscape orchestrates gene expression programs that underlie neuron-to-glioma communication.
In this project, we will use single-cell sequencing methods, bioinformatics, and genome editing approaches, as well as co-culture systems modeling neuron–glioma interactions, with the main focus on investigating the impact of neuronal activity on 3D genome organization and cellular plasticity in glioblastoma. With this project, we aim to continue our pioneering studies of the gene regulatory networks underlying neuro-glioma synapses.
Experimental methodologies include single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq), techniques for mapping 3D genome architecture (HiChIP, Hi-C, Capture-C), and bioinformatics analyses. The applicant is expected to: 1) Independently plan and conduct experiments, 2) carry out research within the scope of the group’s program, 3) establish methods, 4) analyze research data, and 5) communicate results and present findings at national and international scientific meetings.
Duties
As a postdoctoral researcher in this project, you will work with various genome-wide sequencing approaches (HiChIP, Hi-C, ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and scRNA- scATAC-seq). Part of the work involves bioinformatic analyses, supported by the bioinformaticians in Silvia Remeseiro’s group. The work also includes the use of cell lines in culture.
Qualifications
To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, the applicant must have a PhD degree in molecular medicine, molecular biology, computer science, or a related discipline at the time of recruitment. A strong background in genomics is required. Previous experience with multi-omics techniques is also required. Experience in bioinformatics is a highly desirable qualification.
The candidate must have excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written, as well as good communication skills.
We seek a talented and curious researcher with independent and critical thinking skills, who has previously contributed to interesting and productive research and who can work both independently and collaboratively within the research group.
Merits
Since a postdoctoral appointment is a career-development position for junior researchers, we primarily seek candidates who obtained their PhD no more than three years before the application deadline. However, candidates who earned their degree earlier may also be considered if there are special circumstances, such as parental leave, illness, clinical service, or other relevant professional duties.
Additional meritorious qualifications include:
Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years, in accordance with the agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher. The position is fully funded for two years, with the possibility of extension. The successful candidate will also be encouraged and supported to apply for independent research grants.
Additional information
The position is expected to start in spring 2026 or as agreed.
For additional information, contact Assoc. Prof. Silvia Remeseiro, MTB / WCMM, via silvia.remeseiro@umu.se
More information aobut the research in Remeseiro’s group is available through the following websites:
https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-medicinsk-och-translationell-biologi/
https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/silvia-remeseiro/
www.umu.se/en/wallenberg-centre-for-molecular-medicine/
https://www.umu.se/en/staff/silvia-remeseiro/
Application
Your application should include:
Applications should be written in English or Swedish and submitted through our e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 19th December 2025.
Welcome to apply!
Admission
By agreement
Salary
Monthly salary
Application deadline
2025-12-19
Registration number
AN 2.2.1-1269-25
Contact
Silvia Remeseiro
090-7866547
Union representative
SACO
090-7865365
SEKO
090-7865296
ST
090-7865431