The Department of Molecular Biology is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within Medical or Life Science with an orientation towards bacterial genetics and cell wall biology. The scholarship is full-time for two years with access 1 November or by agreement. Progress will be assessed at the midterm review. The deadline is 8 September 2026.
Project
The Cava lab, situated at the Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and the Department of Molecular Biology (Umeå University), is a dynamic and stimulating multidisciplinary research environment focused on exploring bacterial cell wall biology and genetics. Our research spans the intersection of basic and clinical investigations.
We leverage pioneered transformative systems-level analytical approaches that are instrumental in answering these questions. Our preliminary results supporting this proposal represent a paradigm shift highlighting that cell wall assembly is a concerted effort controlled by a large and understudied proportion of the bacterial genome, a scale far greater than we ever imagined. The primary goal is to unveil the complete repertoire of genetic determinants of peptidoglycan biogenesis and remodelling in diverse pathogenic bacteria, elucidating their roles within functional networks. By doing so, we seek to deepen our understanding of the fundamental principles governing cell wall homeostasis and plasticity and ultimately promote new and more effective therapies for the treatment of infectious diseases.
Qualifications
The post-doctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree in Medical Sciences or Life Sciences. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.
Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree before that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
You should be highly motivated, have very good communication skills, both oral and written communication in English, and the ability to interact in a team and structure your research independently.
You should have solid working knowledge of standard molecular biology, bacterial genetics, and microscopy, particularly in Alphaproteobacteria. Demonstrated expertise in cell wall biology and peptidoglycan recycling will be especially meritorious, while experience in protein purification and biochemical analyses of the cell wall is an advantage. Genuine enthusiasm for co-supervising master’s students and for developing accessible conference and seminar presentations for broad, interdisciplinary audiences is also valued.
As part of our community, 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
A full application should include:
Cover letter describing research experience, interests and motivation.
Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.
Contact information to two persons willing to act as references.
The application should be written in English or Swedish, and attached documents should be in Word or PDF format. The application should be registered via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi and submitted by the deadline 8 September 2026.
