Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
The Department of Molecular Biology seeks a postdoctor in Medical Science with an orientation in RNA-biology to identify small molecules able to inhibit microbial infections by binding regulatory RNAs. It is a temporary position for two years on full time. The position is expected to start upon agreement.
Description of the project
The laboratory is mainly interested in RNA-biology and particularly to understand how regulatory RNAs function and control microbial virulence. In this project, we aim to identify small molecules able to bind regulatory RNA and inhibit virulence of the bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes virulence as well as the replication of viruses such as coronavirus. In the project, you will screen different molecular libraries to examine their effect on the function of regulatory RNAs. Positive hits will then be further analyzed using in vitro translation, DMS MapSeq structural analysis, and other techniques to study RNA-molecule interactions. Lastly, the ability of these molecules to inhibit bacterial infectivity and viral replication will be examined in vivo.
Work responsibilities
In the project, you will carry out a range of experimental techniques, including in vitro transcription and translation, DMS MapSeq structural determinations, cloning, bacterial growth, western blotting, human cell culture and infection experiments, chicken embryo infections, fluorescence and luminescence measurements. RT-qPCR, mRNA half-life determination, and optical tweezer experiments.
You will also design, perform, analyze and document experiments, present your research results at scientific conferences, and write manuscripts in collaboration with the group leader.
It is expected that you will take part of group meetings, journal clubs and seminars held in the research group, as well as at the Department of Molecular Biology and at relevant international meetings.
Eligibility
A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in microbial biology is eligible for appointment as postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time at which the appointment decision is made.
You must have very good documented personal experience of standard molecular biology, bacterial genetics and RNA-biology methods. You also need demonstrated expertise in bacterial regulatory RNAs such RNA thermometers, and practical experience in DMS-MapSeq RNA structural determination assays as well as experience in examining small molecule libraries.
You should have a documented ability to successfully publish in reputed international journals, be organized, highly motivated, have very good communication skills, both oral and written communication in English, be able to work independently, and show the ability to interact in a team. You should also be able to supervise students in the lab.
Additional useful qualifications
Since the project will require collaboration between different teams and researchers with different knowledge, previous experience of such collaborations is a merit. Knowledge about RNA bioinformatic packages such as DREEM and POTATO, is an advantage. You should have demonstrated international working mobility and be able to take initiatives.
Since appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is a career-development position for junior researchers, we are primarily interested in applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an applicant who has completed their degree earlier than that may be considered. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointments of trust for a trade union organisation or other similar circumstances, and for relevant duties/assignments within the subject area.
When working in the group, you should contribute to an inclusive culture and a positive working environment. Therefore, you should be able to communicate, be cooperative and be able to collaborate. You should show openness and a welcoming attitude, show respect, compassion and empathy. You care and support colleagues from different backgrounds and with different perspectives and you promote a healthy balance between work and private life, both for you and your co-workers. A large weight will be put on personal suitability for the position.
More information about the position
The appointment is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years in accordance with the terms of contract for fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher.
The application must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest 7 May 2025.
The application must include:
A brief description of your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in the position.
CV
List of publications
Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
