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 Medical Biosciences is an internationally successful research environment with a translational focus in pathology, clinical chemistry and medical and clinical genetics. The department belongs to the Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University and has approximately 90 employees who conduct research, clinical activities, and teaching. The department is located in the "Translational Research Centre", a research centre at Umeå University in direct contact with Norrland University Hospital.
We are now seeking a highly motivated researcher for a two-year postdoctoral position, with an option of a third year, to study transcriptome-wide RNA structure regulation under cellular stress conditions. The position is placed at the Department of Medical Biosciences at Umeå University - https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-medicinsk-biovetenskap/.
Description of the project mRNA structures play important roles in controlling cell biology responses under different conditions. However, the precise mechanisms by which mRNA conformational changes regulate cellular stress responses remain poorly understood. The aim of the project is to gain a better understanding of how dynamic mRNA structures influence RNA stability, translation efficiency in response to changes in the cellular environment. To address these questions, we will determine RNA structures in vivo using cutting-edge transcriptome-wide RNA structure probing techniques that together with computational models and machine learning algorithms will generate accurate in vivo RNA structural predictions.
Work responsibilities The candidate is expected to be able to work independently on his/her project. To successfully carry out the project the candidate will interact with staff and colleagues also at other departments and to take advantage of Umea University excellent infrastructures. The work will include established wet lab as well as bioinformatics techniques and will also include the development and introduction of new techniques required to take the project forward. The candidate will present his/hers work within the University of Umea as well as at international meetings.
Eligibility A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology with a focus on RNA techniques and mRNA translation control 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.
The applicant should have the ability to compile results into scientific publications, Furthermore, work with data management solutions/servers is required.
Additional useful qualifications 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.
Experience of working in cell biology and biochemistry with a focus on ribosomal biogenesis and mRNA translation regulation as well as mRNA structures is desirable. The successful candidate is highly motivated to do research and has the ability to take own initiatives, be able to work both independently as well as part of a team. Furthermore, the applicant should have good analytical and organizational skill. Great emphasis will be placed on the candidate’s potential collaborative skills. The applicant is expected to have good communication skills in English, both spoken and written.
More information about the position The appointment is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years, with an option of a third year, in accordance with the terms of contract for fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher starting as soon as possible or according to agreement.
Application The application must include:
A personal letter describing your qualifications and area of expertise as well as your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in the position (max two A4 pages).
A curriculum vitae (CV) (max six A4 pages).
List of publications (max two A4 pages).
Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees.
Contact details of two reference persons (email address, phone number with country code, postal address).
The application must be written in Swedish or English and submitted electronically in Word or PDF format. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system, Varbi. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. The application must be received at the latest 13 April 2025.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the position, please contact Professor Robin Fåhraeus - robin.fahraeus@umu.se.
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.
