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 position as Staff Scientist is based in the research group of Anders Olofsson at Umeå University, within the Department of Clinical Microbiology. The research is focused on metabolomics in the context of amyloid diseases.
Our work integrates approaches from molecular biology, cell biology, and advanced metabolic analyses to elucidate disease mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR).
Duties
The Staff Scientist will support ongoing research projects in the Olofsson group, with a particular focus on identifying disease mechanisms through advanced metabolic analyses.
The candidate will work specifically with metabolic and enzymatic modelling, kinetic and biochemical pathway analysis, and metabolic signalling molecules. The role requires in-depth expertise in biotechnology, data integration, particularly the interaction and incorporation of transcriptomic and metabolomic data.
The position includes:
Analysis of large-scale datasets in metabolomics, proteomics, and genomics
Investigation of metabolic pathways to elucidate disease mechanisms
Development of metabolic and analytical models to support research activities
Participation in protein purification and assay development in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems
Contribution to scientific publications
Participation in supervision and training of researchers and doctoral students
Collaboration with related research activities, including data analysis and statistical modelling of metabolic processes within associated research groups
Qualifications
To be eligible for the position, the applicant must hold a PhD (or equivalent foreign degree) in biotechnology, with a strong focus on metabolomics. This requirement must be fulfilled by the time the appointment decision is made. Postdoctoral experience in metabolomics is considered a merit.
The candidate must demonstrate:
Extensive experience in advanced data analysis and strong knowledge of statistical modeling
Technical expertise in mass spectrometry data interpretation
Experience in designing and handling large-scale omics studies
Solid knowledge of metabolic pathways and biochemical processes
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required. The candidate is expected to show high motivation for research and the ability to communicate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
The position requires the ability to independently plan experiments, develop methods, perform analyses, and interpret and present results. The candidate is also expected to have documented experience working in interdisciplinary environments spanning statistics and biotechnology
Merits
The following qualifications are considered particularly advantageous:
Extensive experience in metabolomic analysis based on mass spectrometry data
Strong background in statistical model development
In-depth knowledge of metabolism and metabolic pathways, enzyme kinetics and characterisation
Experience in amyloid-related diseases
Practical experience in molecular biology and cell biology techniques
Documented experience presenting research at international scientific conferences
Terms of Employment
This is a fixed-term position for one year. The starting date is subject to agreement.
Application
The application should include:
A cover letter (maximum one A4 page) describing qualifications and motivation (in English)
Curriculum vitae, including publication list
Verified copies of PhD certificate and other relevant degrees
Copies of the two most relevant publications
Contact details of at least two references
Any other relevant information supporting the application
Applications should be submitted electronically via Varbi no later than 10-06-2026.
For further information, please contact: anders.olofsson@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.
