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 Chemistry is seeking a staff scientist in Biochemistry. Apply no later than 23 September 2025.
Project description
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved self-eating process mainly purposed to eliminate or recycle dysfunctional cellular organelles or unused proteins. Autophagy plays an important role in development and ageing and has been associated with diverse human diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration and pathogen infection. Emerging evidence shows that autophagy machinery also plays a role in several autophagy-independent processes. These “noncanonical” autophagy (NCA) pathways occur independent of part of the core autophagy machinery and play an important role in immune regulation and inflammation, modulation of the host-pathogen interaction, regulation of neuronal signaling and anti-cancer immunity.
Using a combination of cell biology, structural biology and chemical genetic approaches, we have elucidated fundamental mechanisms underlying autophagosome formation. Our laboratory has elaborated a novel mode of action for virulent bacteria (Legionella pneumophila, Vibrio cholerae) affecting host autophagy (eLife 2017, J Cell Sci 2021, J Cell Biol 2022). We have identified novel chemotypes for autophagy modulation and new cellular pathways (e.g. the cholesterol-GRAMD1A axis) involved in autophagy regulation (Angew Chem 2017, Nat Chem Biol 2019, Autophagy 2021). Recently, we have made new findings in NCA. We identified the novel lysosomal targeting compound Inducin and ESCRT-III targeting compound Tantalosin that induce NCA (ChemBioChem 2023,Angew Chem 2022, PNAS 2024). We discovered a new pathway, the sphingomyelin-TECPR1 axis and TECPR1-ATG5–ATG12 as an alternative E3-like ligase for ATG8 lipidation in NCA (EMBO Rep 2023). This project will combine biochemical, cell biological and novel chemical approaches to understand molecular mechanisms of canonical and noncanonical autophagy.
The techniques used in the project include protein expression and purification, biochemical characterization, and in vitro reconstitution, cell imaging, western blotting, knock-out/down.
Working tasks
The senior research engineer will work on but not limited to:
design and conduct experiments in biochemistry and cell biology research in autophagy and membrane trafficking;
process and analyze results and data;
communicate results with the supervisor and other group members;
supervise students;
write research papers.
Qualifications
Required qualifications
A doctoral degree in cell biology, molecular biology or equivalent. The successful candidate should have several years of research experience at postdoctoral level in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related field. The candidate is expected to design and execute projects independently but also in close collaboration with other members of the team, independence and good ability to collaborate is therefore a requirement. Good command of written and spoken English is also a requirement.
Experiences in organic synthesis, protein/peptide chemistry, protein expression and purification, and/or cell imaging are strong merits, as is a good record of research publication within these areas.
Merits
Experiences in cell imaging, western blotting, knock-out/down, protein expression and purification, biochemical characterization, and in vitro reconstitution are strong merits, as is a good record of research publication within these areas.
Application
The application should include:
Cover letter including research interests, qualifications and motivation for applying (max 2 pages),
CV including list of publications,
Certified copies of doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degree certificates,
Names and contact details of at least two reference persons,
Other relevant documents.
The application should be written in English or Swedish and submitted via our e-recruitment system. Last day to apply is 2026-09-24.
The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology, with nearly 220 employees, including around 40 doctoral students, and strong and expanding research. Four major research areas – Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic Chemistry, and Engineering Chemistry – bring together the department’s research and education in chemistry. We are also a strong partner within KBC, the Chemical Biological Centre.
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.
