The Department of Medical and Translational Biology offers a postdoctoral fellowship in experimental research focusing on the musculotendinous system. The scholarship is full-time studies for two years, beginning 1st of September 2026 or by agreement. Application deadline is June 17th 2026.
Description of the project
Our research group investigates the mechanisms that regulate tendon healing and the functional communication between muscle and tendon cells. The overall aim of the project is to characterize and identify factors within the muscle cell secretome during both mechanical loading and unloading, and to elucidate their role in tendon healing and the underlying signaling pathways.
Wound-healing-related processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, collagen production, and matrix organization are analyzed using advanced in vitro models, including three-dimensional cell culture systems. We also model the inflammatory process involved in tendon healing by culturing inflammatory cells to better understand their role in the healing process.
To identify previously unknown mediators involved in the interaction between muscle and tendon cells, we use large-scale omics approaches, including RNA sequencing and proteomics. The project also includes the collection and analysis of blood samples from individuals before and after intervention, in order to investigate their effects in our in vitro models and to establish the foundation for a future clinical pilot study.
This is a translational research project that combines advanced in vitro models with analyses of blood samples collected from individuals before and after exercise/intervention. The project aims to investigate how systemic factors influence tendon healing and to establish the foundation for a clinical pilot study.
The fellow will have the opportunity to gain further qualifications through:
Establishment, isolation, culture, and differentiation of primary human muscle, tendon, and inflammatory cells.
Application of in vitro models for mechanical loading of muscle cells.
Three-dimensional in vitro models for tendon formation and tendon healing.
Omics techniques, including sample preparation, data analysis, and interpretation of results from methods such as RNA sequencing and proteomics.
Protein analyses using methods such as Western blot and ELISA.
Gene expression analysis, including quantitative PCR (qPCR) for analysis of mRNA expression.
Immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry, including tissue preparation, sectioning, and staining.
Microscopic analyses with a focus on confocal microscopy and image analysis.
Contributions to study design, method development, and selection of analytical strategies.
Visualization and presentation of data, as well as participation in the writing of scientific publications.
Qualifications
To be eligible for a postdoctoral fellowship, the applicant must hold a PhD degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled no later than the time at which the decision on the fellowship recipient is made. To be considered for a postdoctoral fellowship, priority is given to candidates who obtained their PhD no more than three years prior to the application deadline. If there are special grounds, candidates who obtained their PhD earlier may also be considered. Special grounds refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust in trade union organizations, service in total defence, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other service/assignments relevant to the subject area.
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with documented experience of contributing to challenging and productive research. A strong background in experimental research is considered an advantage, particularly experience with molecular and biochemical laboratory techniques such as qPCR, immunochemistry, Western blotting, and work with primary cell culture of human muscle and tendon cells or similar cell types. Experience with co-culture systems involving different cell types is also considered an advantage, as well as prior experience with clinical exercise studies.
The ability to take initiative and to work both independently and as part of a team is required, as well as good oral and written communication skills in English.
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 June 17th, 2026.
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.
Contact information of two references.
Further information
For questions contact Ludvig Backman, ludvig.backman@umu.se
