Postdoctoral Researcher in Single-Cell Transcriptomics of Microorganisms

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 diverse range of high-quality educational programs and world-leading research in several scientific fields, including the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which 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 large 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. Simply put, 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/)

Project Description and Responsibilities

The heterogeneity of microorganisms has long been recognized, but managing biological variation at the single-bacterial level remains a significant challenge. We aim to develop an efficient and cost-effective platform for transcriptional profiling of individual microorganisms with ultra-high throughput. We will apply this to investigate the biological mechanisms driving infection, pathogenesis, and antibiotic resistance.

This project is based on the assumption that phenotypic output and biological functions of heterogeneous microbial populations can be better understood by performing transcriptional profiling at the single-cell level. However, to achieve this, we need new techniques that can dissect the complex structure of populations into single-cell components that can be studied individually and collectively. To achieve this, we will apply new tools based on semi-permeable capsules, including various analytical and biochemical methods, molecular barcoding, sequencing, and high-dimensional data analysis.

The project will be conducted in collaboration with other groups at the Department of Molecular Biology, providing excellent opportunities for potential candidates to expand their professional network and acquire useful interdisciplinary skills and attributes.

For more information, please contact:

Linas Mazutis
Guest Professor
Department of Molecular Biology
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Qualifications

To be employed under a fixed-term contract as a postdoctoral researcher, a completed PhD degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD is required. This eligibility requirement must be met by the time the employment decision is made.

To be employed under the postdoctoral agreement, preference will be given to those who have completed their degree as mentioned above within the last three years. If there are special reasons, those who completed their PhD earlier may also be considered. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, elected positions within trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant employment/assignments in the subject area.

We are looking for candidates with a PhD or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, biophysics, or a related field.

Additional Requirements

This is a challenging but highly impactful project. Therefore, the candidate is expected to have a solid methodological background in molecular biology or biochemistry, or other relevant fields. Furthermore, excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are required.

Desirable

Experience in molecular cloning, nucleic acid analysis, a good understanding of DNA-processing enzymes, and scRNA-Seq protocols.

Other

Additionally, the project will be conducted in collaboration with other researchers at the Department of Molecular Biology, so the candidate should be collaborative and proactive. Candidates who can apply problem-solving methods, plan and execute experiments correctly, and make progress on their own initiative are highly welcome.

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

Application

The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. Applications are made through our electronic recruitment system. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2026. A complete application should include:

• A personal letter describing your interest in the position,
• A CV with a publication list,
• A certified copy of your PhD diploma or documentation confirming when you expect to obtain your PhD,
• Any other documents that the applicant wishes to submit,
• Contact information for two referees.

More Information

For more information about the Department of Molecular Biology, please visit our website here (https://www.umu.se/molbiol).

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

To staffing and recruitment agencies and to those selling job advertisements: We kindly but firmly request no direct contact with staffing and recruitment agencies or sellers of additional job advertisements.