Staff Scientist in Microbial Immunology

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest institutions of higher education with over 37,000 students and approximately 4,700 employees. The university offers a diversity of high-quality programs and world-leading research in several scientific fields, and it was here that the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.

The societal transformation and significant green investments we see in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, this means conducting research on – and within – a transforming society. It also involves delivering education for regions that need to expand quickly and sustainably. This is where the future is created.

Are you interested in learning more? Read more here (https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/om-universitetet-som-arbetsplats/).

About the Position

The Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University invites applications for a position as Staff Scientist in Microbial Immunology. The position is full-time for 11 months and is expected to start on 2025-06-01 or by agreement. The application deadline is April 10, 2025.

Description

To better understand the complex relationship between gut microbiota and hosts, this research project aims to map how specific gut bacteria interact with gut mucosal immunology, namely the mucus layer and antimicrobial peptides. The project will be conducted in the Schröder lab. The laboratory belongs to the Department of Molecular Biology, which is part of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and Umeå Center for Microbial Research (UCMR). The position will involve a variety of biochemical and molecular biological methods, anaerobic bacterial cultivation, and advanced measurements of mucus function.

Responsibilities

• Ex vivo measurements of mucus function from mouse and human gut tissue.
• Using and optimizing confocal microscopy to image the mucosal barrier function.
• Planning, conducting, and analyzing mouse experiments.
• Responsible for the maintenance of mouse colonies.
• Performing antimicrobial activity tests.
• Using microbial cultivation techniques in low-oxygen environments (anaerobic chamber).
• Using computational methods (e.g., Qiime2) to evaluate microbial composition.

Qualifications

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a PhD in biochemistry or a related research field, with documented experience in studies of gut microbiology and/or mucosal barrier function. The candidate should have practical experience with the methods listed under responsibilities, particularly ex vivo measurements of mucus function, mouse experiments, and maintenance of mouse colonies. The candidate should also have a strong relevant research output, as evidenced by first authorship or publications presenting groundbreaking new research results in gut microbiology.

We seek a candidate who is fluent in both spoken and written English. As the project is collaborative in nature, we expect the candidate to have excellent collaborative skills and be able to work effectively in teams.

To succeed in this role, excellent communication skills are also required to interact effectively with colleagues and staff, as well as researchers from complementary research areas. Furthermore, the candidate should have good initiative and experience in applying for research funding. Personal suitability will be of great importance.

It is advantageous if the candidate has completed postdoctoral studies at a different university than where their doctoral studies were conducted.

As a staff member with us, you contribute to promoting an inclusive culture and a positive work environment. This means you communicate effectively across differences, demonstrate a willingness to collaborate, and have the ability to work together. You maintain openness and a welcoming attitude, as well as show respect, compassion, and empathy. You engage with and support colleagues from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and promote a healthy work-life balance for yourself and others.

Application

The application should include:

1. A personal cover letter clearly describing your research experience, motivation, and how your expertise matches the requirements (max. 1 page).
2. A CV documenting academic education and previous employment (max. 2 pages).
3. A list of your publications.
4. A copy of your PhD and other relevant degree certificates.
5. Names and contact details with email addresses of two or three academic references.
6. Any other relevant documentation you wish to include to support your application.

Applications should be submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be written in Swedish or English and received no later than April 10, 2025.

More About Us

For more information about the department, read more here: Department of Molecular Biology (https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-molekylarbiologi/).

More information about the group's research can be found on our website Mucubacter (https://mucubacter.org/) and UCMR (https://www.umu.se/en/ucmr/).

If you have questions about the position, please contact: Björn Schröder, bjorn.schroder@umu.se (mailto:bjorn.schroder@umu.se).

Welcome with your application!

Umeå University aims to provide an equal and equitable environment where open conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position.

To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you as a seller: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact with staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of additional job advertisements.