Chemistry Department Seeks Postdoctoral Researcher in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The position is full-time for two years, starting September 1, 2025, or by agreement.

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest institutions of higher education with over 35,000 students and 4,200 employees. We are characterized by world-leading research in several scientific fields and a diversity of programs that rank highly in international comparisons. Recent breakthroughs at Umeå University include mapping the molecular mechanisms behind bacterial CRISPR-Cas9 systems and its transformation into a tool for gene editing – a method developed at Umeå University and awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

The host laboratory is located within the interdisciplinary Chemical Biological Centre (KBC) (https://www.umu.se/en/kbc (https://www.umu.se/en/kbc)) at Umeå University and is affiliated with the national Centre of Excellence – Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR) (https://www.umu.se/en/ucmr/ (https://www.umu.se/en/ucmr/)). The laboratories are fully equipped for biological and chemical research with access to excellent facilities and state-of-the-art instruments and platforms in a creative, inspiring, international, and highly interactive environment. Facilities include the Protein Expertise Platform, X-ray, proteomics, NMR (850–400 MHz), cryo-EM, and the Biochemical Imaging Centre (confocal, SIM, FLIM, spinning disk, TIRF, STORM).

Project Description

Our laboratory has developed new chemo-optogenetic systems to control cellular activities with light with high spatial and temporal precision (Angew Chem 2014, 2017, 2018, 2018, 2025, Curr Opin Chem Biol 2015, ChemEurJ 2019, 2025, Nat Meth 2023). This project will combine CAR-T cell technology with chemo-optogenetic systems to enable precision-based CAR-T therapy. The techniques used in the project include organic synthesis, protein expression and purification, biochemical characterization, in vitro reconstitution, molecular cloning, cell imaging, and western blotting.

Qualifications

To be employed under the postdoctoral agreement, a PhD degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD is required. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than at the time the employment decision is made.

To be employed under the postdoctoral agreement, preference will primarily be given to those who have obtained their degree as mentioned in the previous paragraph within the last three years. If there are special reasons, those who obtained their PhD earlier may also be considered. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, trust assignments within trade unions, service in total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignment in the subject area. A postdoctoral researcher who will teach or supervise must have relevant higher education pedagogical training.

The PhD degree or foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD must be in biochemistry, cell biology, chemical biology, molecular biology, organic chemistry, or another relevant field.

Additional Requirements

The applicant is expected to independently drive their studies while close collaboration with other team members is an important part of the role. Independence and good collaboration skills are therefore required. Furthermore, good knowledge of English, both spoken and written, is required.

Other Desirable Qualifications

Experience in protein expression and purification, protein/peptide chemistry, organic synthesis, molecular cloning, membrane biochemistry, in vitro reconstitution, cell microscopy, western blotting, and/or knock-out/down is highly meritorious, as well as high-quality research publications in these areas.

Application

The application should include:

• A personal letter with qualifications, research interests, and reasons for applying for the position (max 2,000 characters including spaces),
• A CV with a publication list that includes both published articles and preprints, along with a web link or DOI (Digital Object Identifier).
• A certified copy of the PhD diploma,
• Certified copies of other diplomas, academic course certificates, and/or grades,
• A copy of the doctoral thesis and any publications you wish to reference (max three)
• Names and contact details of at least two referees, and any other relevant documents (certified copies of the PhD diploma and other relevant diplomas).

The application should be written in English or Swedish. Applications are made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically should be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The application deadline is April 16, 2025.

For further information, please contact Professor Yaowen Wu, Chemistry Department, https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/yaowen-wu/ (https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/yaowen-wu/)

Email: yaowen.wu@umu.se (mailto:yaowen.wu@umu.se)

We welcome your application!

About Us

The Chemistry Department is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology and has nearly 200 employees, including about 40 doctoral students and a strong and expanding research environment. Four major research areas, Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic Chemistry, and Technical Chemistry, encompass the department's research and education in chemistry. We are also a strong partner within KBC, the Chemical Biological Centre. More information about being employed at Umeå University: https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/)