Staff Scientist in Membrane Biology

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 education 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 campus makes 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 about – and in the midst of – a transforming society. It also involves delivering education for regions that need to expand quickly and sustainably. This is where the future is created.

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

Description

The Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest faculties at Umeå University and attracts many students with a comprehensive range of education in the fields of 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 the availability of our future healthcare personnel.

The Department of Medical and Translational Biology at the Faculty of Medicine is now seeking a Staff Scientist in membrane biology, focusing on investigating how viruses sculpt cellular lipid membranes into organelles for replicating their genetic material. The position is limited to 9 months.

Responsibilities

• Establishment of model systems for plasma membranes and studies of replication organelles.
• Investigation of the dynamics of lipids, proteins, and replication organelles using spinning disc microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy.
• Software analysis of image data to achieve high temporal and structural resolution.
• Protein purification and synthesis of model membranes.
• Biophysical analysis of interactions between proteins and lipid membranes using Q-CMD analysis.

Qualifications

To be eligible, you must have a PhD in structural biology based on data from cryo-electron microscopy. Furthermore, solid knowledge and extensive experience in virology, protein and lipid biochemistry, spinning disc microscopy, electron microscopy, image analysis, and methods for studying interactions between proteins and lipid membranes are required. A good understanding of the underlying theories and principles of cryo-electron microscopy, as well as specific competence related to the development and application of advanced membrane model systems for analysis using spinning disc microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy, is necessary. Additionally, good knowledge of both written and spoken English, the ability to plan and conduct independent scientific work, and to write scientific manuscripts are required.

Desirable

Documented experience in:

• Advanced microscopy techniques in light and electron microscopy.
• Model systems for lipid membranes.
• Protein purification and fluorescent labeling.
• Cell culture and unroofing of cells.
• Creation of scripts for image analysis using e.g., MatLab.

Conditions

The position is limited to 9 months on a full-time basis. Start date May 1st or by agreement.

Application

Your application should be registered via the e-recruitment system Varbi and must be submitted no later than 2026-03-06.

The application should include:

• A short cover letter (about one A4 page) describing the applicant's research experience, research interests, and suitability for the project.
• A CV (Curriculum Vitae) that includes degrees, technical expertise, employment history, and names and contact information for 2 references.
• A publication list.

Inquiries

Information about the position can be provided by Richard Lundmark
email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Department of Medical and Translational Biology,
Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå.

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 the current position.

To staffing and recruitment companies and to you as a seller: We kindly but firmly request no direct contact with staffing and recruitment companies or sellers of additional job advertisements.