The Department of Molecular Biology is offering a postdoctoral scholarship in Medical Science with a focus on intestinal mucosal immunology. The scholarship is full-time studies for two years, beginning 1 August 2026 or by agreement. Application deadline is 15 June 2026.
Project description
The Nadeem lab, situated in the Department of Molecular Biology (Umeå University), is a dynamic and stimulating multidisciplinary research environment focused on bacterial effector molecule interactions with mammalian host cells. We use a combination of 2D and 3D cell cultures, various biochemical, biophysical, and cellular methods, as well as electron microscopy, confocal, and fluorescence microscopy to address various biological questions. Recently, we have identified the cellular mechanisms involved in bacterial effector molecule‑mediated cell death and their role in the disruption of tight and adherens junctions.
Our recent findings have revealed that the Bacillus cereus tripartite toxin NheABC induces pH‑dependent targeting of the mammalian cell membrane. The toxin interacts with mitochondrial lipids and disrupts their function, leading to decreased cellular ATP. Moreover, our preliminary findings suggest that B. cereus produces extracellular vesicles (BEVs) that can interact with mammalian host cells and disrupt tight junctions.
This project will build on these findings and investigate the interaction of B. cereus effector molecules, such as NheABC and BEVs, with the cell membrane and intracellular compartments. Moreover, the project aims to identify the cellular mechanisms involved in bacterial effector‑mediated cell death.
Qualifications
The post-doctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology or related fields at the time of recruitment qualifies as a postdoctoral fellow. 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.
Since the project will require interactions with collaborations and is expected to present the findings at the conferences, very good communication skills, both oral and written, in English, are a must. Further, we expect the ability to interact in a team, high intrinsic motivation and that you can structure your research independently.
You must have a very good working knowledge of standard molecular biology, cell biology and microbiology techniques. Priority will be given to candidates with demonstrated expertise in Bacillus cereus genetics, mammalian CRISPR screens, host-pathogen interactions, or working with 2D and 3D cell culture techniques. Sincere enthusiasm for developing high quality presentations in an accessible manner to wide range of disciplines is a plus.
Application 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 15 June.
Cover letter (max. 1 page) clearly describing your research experience, motivation and how your expertise matches the requirements.
Curriculum vitae (CV, max. 2 pages) and publication list (max. 5 pages).
Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained.
