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 at Umeå University, Sweden, invites applicants for a position as project assistant to the Aramburu Lab. The position is expected to start in July 2026 or according to agreement.
Project Description
We aim to discover and study the function of novel proteins involved in innate immune processes against pathogens. We will use a combination of computational and experimental methods. The position is aimed at a candidate with experience in programming. We offer the opportunity to develop and expand in different areas of work when it is in line with the project goals.
The candidate will study and integrate large data sets and integrate complex biological data derived from sequencing, proteomic experiments, and publicly available sources, and build a comprehensive database of ORFs across organisms.
Work tasks
As a Project Assistant, you will work under supervision to:
Provide support to lab members with computational tasks.
Integrate large datasets of transcriptomic and proteomic data and develop an easy-to-use database and dashboard.
Crawl publicly available and published data to update the database and dashboard.
Use advanced data processing services to perform bioinformatic analysis.
Apply machine learning methods to complex sequencing and protein structure data.
Qualifications
You should have a minimum a high school degree. We seek highly motivated candidates with previous experience as a computational research assistant. The candidate should have documented experience in: Python, Git, Jupyter Notebooks, data analysis libraries (Pandas), relational databases (PostgreSQL), web development frameworks (Django), containerisation tools (Docker), and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. Familiarity with bioinformatics resources, ribosome profiling data, proteomics data, and protein-related databases is required. Basic JavaScript skills for frontend work are sufficient.
Candidates must be fluent in spoken and written English. Since the project will be of collaborative nature, candidates are expected to function in a team and therefore have a good ability to co-operate. Excellent communication skills are required for interacting effectively with colleagues and peers, including colleagues from complementary research fields. Good initiative ability and experience in applying for research funding is a requirement.
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 should be written in Swedish or English (preferably). The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest 19 May 2026.
The application must include:
A personal cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, how you can contribute to the project (no more than 1 A4 pages).
A curriculum vitae that documents education and past and previous employments.
Names and contact details with e-mail addresses of two or three academic references.
Other relevant documentation you wish to include in support of your application.
If there are questions, please contact Iker Valle Aramburu, iker.aramburu@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.
