Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Systems Biology

Do you want to work with groundbreaking research, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employee engagement and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is divided into seven research programs focusing on various areas within cell and molecular biology: computational biology and bioinformatics, microbiology, molecular biology, molecular biophysics, molecular evolution, molecular systems biology, and structural biology. The scientific foundation for what we do lies within biology, but our research overlaps with other fields such as medicine, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and physics. The department has over 200 employees with about 60 PhD students. Please read more about the organization’s work at https://icm.uu.se (https://icm.uu.se).

The ELF lab (https://www.uu.se/institution/cell-och-molekylarbiologi/forskning/molekylar-systembiologi/elf-labb) works across the boundaries of traditional research fields to investigate life at the molecular level. We build physical models of central biological processes and develop various measurement methods to test these models in living cells. The current project focuses on the structure-function relationship of bacterial chromosomes. How bacteria organize their DNA and how the structure affects gene expression are still relatively open questions. For example;

• How is chromosome structure dynamically regulated?
• How does gene expression depend on where in the cell the gene is located?
• How does chromosome structure change when the genome undergoes sequence changes?

Job Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher in molecular systems biology, you will develop and use world-leading methods for imaging and analyzing the dynamics of individual chromosomes in bacterial strain libraries. Imaging will be performed using high-resolution fluorescence microscopy in various types of microfluidic systems, modified Hi-C methods, and DNA microscopy. Data handling and analysis is a significant and important part of the work. The position involves full-time research, but teaching opportunities are available if you are interested. There are good opportunities to network with research labs both in Sweden and abroad. You are expected to drive your project independently and have the freedom to develop your own ideas within the overall framework of the project. We offer a stimulating interdisciplinary environment where you will work closely with experts in microbiology, biophysics, microscopy, image analysis, and molecular biology.

Qualifications

To qualify for the postdoctoral position, you must have a PhD or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD in systems biology, biophysics, molecular biology, microbiology, or another relevant field. We are looking for a researcher with strong knowledge in molecular biology, microbiology, or equivalent, but above all, you should be comfortable working at the intersection of experimental and computational biology. Strong skills in data analysis and programming are a prerequisite. You should have a creative and self-motivated personality and an interest in basic research and method development. Since the project requires collaboration with other researchers in the group, you should have good social skills and be able to communicate fluently in English.

Desirable/meritorious qualifications

Competence in microscopy, image analysis, and/or AI is meritorious. The position is primarily aimed at early-career researchers who have completed their degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, the degree may be older than three years. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, or trust assignments within trade unions, etc.

About the Position

The position is temporary for at least two and a maximum of three years according to central collective agreements. The scope is full-time. Start date is March 1 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Irmeli Barkefors +46 709 701 199, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

In this recruitment, we have replaced the personal letter with questions that you will answer in connection with your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process. You should also submit a CV including a publication list.

Welcome to submit your application by January 11, 2026, UFV-PA 2025/3754.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University here (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The position may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment during security clearance is that the applicant is approved.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), Seko - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), ST (OFR/S) - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])