Postdoctoral Researcher in Gut Microbiota and Mucosal Barrier Physiology

The Department of Molecular Biology is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in gut microbiota and mucosal barrier physiology to study the impact of gut flora on the intestinal mucus layer.

The position is full-time for two years, starting on May 15, 2026, or by agreement. The application deadline is March 10, 2026.

Project Description and Responsibilities

To better understand the interaction between gut flora and the host organism, this research project aims to map how specific dietary supplements affect the composition of gut flora and the function of the intestinal mucus layer. The project is conducted at the Schröder laboratory at the Department of Molecular Biology, which is part of the Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR). The position involves a range of molecular biology methods, anaerobic bacterial cultivation, ex vivo and in vivo experiments, as well as state-of-the-art methods for measuring and imaging the mucus layer.

Responsibilities include:

• Testing how specific dietary supplements affect the permeability of the mucus layer in living tissue.
• Testing how specific dietary supplements affect the growth rate of the mucus layer in living tissue.
• Collecting and analyzing tissue and stool samples from in vivo experiments.
• Cultivating anaerobic gut bacteria under various conditions using an anaerobic chamber.
• Using enzymatic methods to investigate specific microbial ability to degrade mucus in vitro.
• Performing bioinformatics analyses to study the composition of gut flora.

The candidate will use a combination of animal studies and in vitro studies to achieve the project goals. Responsibilities also include designing, conducting, and documenting experiments, presenting research results at conferences and internal meetings, and writing scientific publications under the supervision of the group leader.

Qualifications

To be employed under the fixed-term postdoctoral agreement, a PhD degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD in biological sciences 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 obtained their degree no more than three years ago. If there are special reasons, those who obtained their PhD earlier may also be considered. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, union duties, service in total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant assignments in the subject area.

Specific Requirements

The candidate must have documented practical experience in performing ex vivo analyses of the intestinal mucosa's function, as well as research on gut flora. This includes experience with anaerobic cultivation techniques (e.g., working in an anaerobic chamber or bioreactor) and analysis of 16S sequencing data. Practical experience with mouse models is also required.

Other Requirements

The candidate should demonstrate high productivity through a strong publication record in internationally recognized scientific journals. Furthermore, the candidate should be structured, engaged, and able to work effectively both in teams and independently. Excellent proficiency in English and Swedish, both spoken and written, is required for this position.

Desirable Qualifications

Experience working with carbohydrate-active enzymes and tissue staining techniques, as well as expertise in host-microbe interactions and intestinal diseases, is highly desirable. Additionally, it is an advantage if the candidate has excellent communication skills, which can be demonstrated through awards for best poster presentations or oral presentations.

As a colleague with us, you contribute to promoting an inclusive culture and a positive work environment. This means that you communicate effectively across differences, show willingness to collaborate, and demonstrate 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

Applications should be written in English or Swedish and submitted through our electronic recruitment system. The application deadline is March 10, 2026. A complete application should include:

• A personal letter clearly describing your research background, motivation, and how your expertise meets the stated requirements (max 1 page).
• Curriculum vitae (CV) (max 2 pages).
• Publication list.
• Certified copy of the PhD diploma or documentation confirming when the PhD is expected to be obtained.
• Contact information for two referees.

All documents should be combined into one (1) PDF file.

More Information

More information about the research group's work can be found on our website: https://mucubacter.org/ (https://mucubacter.org/)
For more information about the Department of Molecular Biology, please visit our website https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-molekylarbiologi/ (https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-molekylarbiologi/)

For further inquiries about the project and the position, please contact Björn Schröder [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

We welcome 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.