Vacant job

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and approximately 4,700 employees. The university offers a diverse range of high-quality education 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, it is about conducting research on – and in the midst of – a transforming society. But it is also about 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/).

The Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest faculties at Umeå University and attracts many students with a comprehensive range of programs in medicine, dentistry, health, and care. We offer a well-developed research infrastructure and an inspiring, dynamic environment with leading research. Our close collaboration with the four regions in the Northern Healthcare Region is seen as a significant mutual asset for developing research and education and ensuring access to our future healthcare personnel.

The Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University is seeking a staff scientist to work on the project "antimicrobial agents".

The position is full-time for 6 months starting September 1, 2025, or by agreement. The application deadline is May 7, 2025.

Description
The department belongs to both the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Science and Technology and offers a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment with a wide range of state-of-the-art imaging, metabolomics, genomics, and screening facilities. The extensive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is a major contributing factor to the alarming spread of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, it negatively impacts patient health through its devastating side effects on the microbiota. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more selective treatment options.

Responsibilities
Using an innovative antimicrobial discovery method, we have recently identified a set of compounds that exhibit narrow-spectrum activity against chlamydia, a group of obligate intracellular bacteria that cause millions of cases of urogenital, ocular, and respiratory infections each year. Responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments, presenting research findings at conferences, and writing publications under the guidance of group leader Barbara Sixt. The aim of this project is to determine the in vivo efficacy and selectivity of our most potent compounds.

Qualifications
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a Ph.D. in molecular biology, microbiology, or pharmaceutical sciences (or equivalent fields). The ideal candidate should have academic ambitions and be willing to take on scientific and technical challenges. The candidate must have practical experience in generating antimicrobial formulations and in vivo testing in a mouse model. The candidate must also have documented practical experience working with human cell cultures, intracellular bacterial pathogens, molecular genetic techniques, and fluorescence microscopy. The applicant should have good oral and written communication skills in English. The project is a collaborative project with multiple partners, and therefore the candidate is expected not only to work independently but also to function well in a research group with colleagues from other research areas. Excellent communication skills are also required to effectively collaborate with lab colleagues and researchers from complementary research areas. Previous work experience with the pathogen chlamydia is an advantage.

As a team member, 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 show 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
You apply through our recruitment system by May 7, 2025. Your application should include the following documents written in English (preferably) or Swedish:
- CV with information about education, a list of previous and current employment, and a list of scientific publications.
- A cover letter describing research experience and research interests, as well as the motivation for applying for the position.
- Contact information for at least two preferably three referees.

More about us
The research group is part of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and Umeå Center for Microbial Research (UCMR), an interdisciplinary research center focused on high-quality research and new applications in microbiology.

You can find more information about us at sixtlab.org (https://sixtlab.org/), umu.se/mims (https://www.umu.se/mims/), umu.se/ucmr (https://www.umu.se/ucmr/), and umu.se/molbiol (https://www.umu.se/molbiol).

For questions about the position, contact project leader Barbara Sixt at barbara.sixt@umu.se (mailto:barbara.sixt@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 from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.

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