Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) within Non-canonical DNA structures
The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within the project “Studies on non-canonical DNA structures”. The scholarship is full-time for two years with access (January, 2027) or by agreement.
Departmental specific information
Research at the Department of Medical Biochemistry takes a comprehensive approach to studying biological systems at the molecular level within an international, collaborative research environment offering state-of-the art techniques. The research project will be conducted under the supervision of Professor Nasim Sabouri. For more information please visit: Nasim Sabouri group
Project description
How do DNA structures beyond the double helix influence genome function, and could they offer new avenues for cancer research? G-quadruplexes (G4s) and i-motifs are alternative DNA structures that form in regions rich in guanine and cytosine, respectively. This scholarship offers an opportunity to explore how these structures interact with proteins and drug-like molecules, linking their molecular properties to their potential roles in health and disease.
Under the supervision of Professor Nasim Sabouri, you will have the opportunity to deepen your expertise in an international, collaborative research environment at Umeå University. The scholarship provides scope to broaden your scientific perspective and develop skills spanning molecular studies, biochemical studies and studies in cancer cells.
The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to:
-Gain experience in fluorescence microscopy and next-generation sequencing approaches to investigate G4s and i-motifs in cells.
Develop expertise in biophysical and biochemical approaches, including NMR, circular dichroism spectroscopy, real-time PCR and primer extension assays.
Explore how cancer drug candidates interact with these structures
This setting provides opportunities to exchange ideas across disciplines, develop your own scientific questions and strengthen your independence to build a foundation for the next stage of your scientific career.
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 (Chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry or similar)
Additional requirements are:
-Experience in G4 structures, ideally with focus on G4 ligands
-Experience with biophysical methods
-Experience with fluorescence molecules
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Meriting criteria are:
Excellent presentation skills
We are looking for a curious and motivated candidate who can work independently and contribute constructively to the research group. A collaborative approach and a willingness to share knowledge and support colleagues are essential. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.
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 18 November 2026.
