The Department of Medical and Translational Biology (MTB) is offering a postdoctoral scholarship to investigate the molecular mechanisms and behavioural consequences of normal and abnormal mouse spinal cord development. The scholarship is full-time for two years with a start date as soon as possible by agreement. The research is carried out in the laboratory of Associate Professor Sara Wilson (see lab web page) located at MBT. MBT is an interdisciplinary department, which focuses on questions in basic and medical sciences and provides an interactive modern environment with good core facilities.
Project description
The focus of the research is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the development of the mammalian spinal cord and the consequences of abnormal development for animal behaviour using the mouse spinal cord as a model system. You will engage a systematic strategy to identify these mechanisms by generating innovative mouse genetic strains, identifying embryonic defects and the underlying molecular mechanisms and determining the consequences of this abnormal development to function of the mature nervous system– focusing on motor and sensory behaviour.
The long-term goal of this work is to generate knowledge to link abnormal development with neural function and dysfunction.
The successful candidate will receive training to supplement and strengthen your existing skills and strong research mentorship and for your career development.
Qualifications
To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. 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 prior. 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 organisations, military service or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
Doctoral degree should be within an area relevant to the announcement. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
Of the applicant who meet above formal requirements, the most successful candidate will be selected based on the following merits – although full training will be given:
Preference is given to individuals with a background in mouse genetics and handling, developmental biology, neuroscience, molecular and/or cell biology with a keen interest in developmental neuroscience.
A doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in one of the following areas: biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, genetics, biotechnology, physiology, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics or similar.
Experience in some of the following techniques will be viewed favourably although full training will be given: Preference will be given to individuals with experience in vertebrate embryo model systems, mouse genetics and handling, generation of new mouse genetic lines, rodent motor circuits or rodent motor behaviour analysis. Technical experience with imaging, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization are also highly valued. Technical experience with embryo electroporation and /or neurite outgrowth/migration assays or other approaches relevant to the project will be positively evaluated.
Demonstrated skills/aptitudes/characteristics important for success of the project including a high level of motivation and commitment, good aptitude/skills towards laboratory work and the willingness to learn. The applicant must also be organized, rigorous and be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a keen interest in developmental biology and neuroscience.
Application
The application should be written in English, 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 10th September 2025.
A full application should include the following (no further documents are required at this point):
A cover letter (not more than 1.5 A4 pages) where you explain clearly and succinctly your suitability for the position in relation to the qualifications, requirements, and merits in the announcement.
Include a short (2 A4 pages) CV and list of publications and manuscripts.
Copy of your PhD degree certificate if completed.
Contact information for three referees should be included in your application.
Please do not use AI-generated content. Applications that reflect your own experience and perspective will be viewed positvly.
Further information
Informal enquiries can be directed to Associate Professor Sara Wilson (sara.wilson@umu.se).
