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.
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 Biochemistry and Biophysics seeks a senior staff scientist. The position is full-time for an indefinite period starting in January 2026, or as agreed.
Description The Biochemical Imaging Centre Umeå (BICU) is an open-access imaging centre that offers cutting-edge techniques to researchers all over Sweden according to a fixed organization and user fees as described on the homepage (https://www.umu.se/en/research/infrastructure/biochemical-imaging-centre-umea-bicu/). The infrastructure provides state-of-the-art imaging technology including advanced light microscopy, atomic force microscopy and correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM). BICU is part of a distributed National Microscopy Infrastructure (NMI):a Swedish infrastructure funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR-RFI) and cofinancing from the participating Universities for the use and support of advanced microscopy in life science. The mission of NMI is to provide faster access to innovative technology and competence in microscopy for the life science research community. NMI also coordinates national and international knowledge exchange in microscopy. NMI in Umeåis the node specialized for advanced correlative imaging techniques. Hereby, BICU closely collaborates with Umeå Core Facility for Electron Microscopy (UCEM) to provide CLEM.
Duties consist of:
Managing of the light microscopy instruments including maintenance, service and updates.
Consultation with researchers regarding experimental design imaging methodology.
Personal training of users to provide drivers licence per instrument.
Technical support for image acquisition.
Assistance with image analysis.
Managing booking systems for the instruments, billing of users, data storage and website administration.
Managing the economy and budget of BICU.
Writing applications for light microscopy instruments and managing procurements together with participating research leaders.
Organizing and teaching courses on light microscopy
Participation in relevant networks and outreach activities in Europe.
Qualification requirements
For employment as a senior staff scientist, a doctoral degree is required in a research field of relevance for the position. Solid knowledge and extensive experience within advance light microscopy, image analysis and education of researchers within these areas are also required, as well as excellent knowledge of underlying theories and principles, and specific competence linked to the development and application of advanced methods within light microscopy.
In addition, it is required that the applicant has:
Experience of establishing, developing and operating research infrastructure.
Experience of advanced leadership/coordination work with research infrastructure, such as work management, budget work, coordination, collaboration, reporting and grant applications/funding work.
The following experiences are considered as additional merits for this position.
Scientific production and contributions within the infrastructure that has led to the development of the scientific field, for example through recognition of the infrastructure in publications in highly respected scientific journals that apply peer review.
Experience of developing and carrying out teaching, such as workshops and demonstrations at different educational levels for different target groups.
Experience of outreach activities, such as participating in and giving presentations at conferences, and in national or international networks
Experience of cooperating with external stakeholders, e.g. industry, municipalities or businesses.
Application
Apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. Your application must include:
a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position;
a CV detailing your academic education and previous employment;
a list of publications including both authorships and mentions in the acknowledgements for the last three years;
doctoral degree certificate;
any other relevant documentation that you wish to submit to support your application.
For further information please contact Professor Richard Lundmark, richard.lundmark@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.
