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Welcome to Linnaeus University! Here you meet 2,200 employees and 40,000 students who together follow the vision of putting knowledge into motion for sustainable societal development. At our university, research and education are conducted with a view towards the future. Our proximity to the business community, both locally and globally, gives us long reach and the opportunity for change that creates an impact. All that is needed is a place where ideas have room to meet and grow. That is what we have created – and you are invited. Change starts here!

The Department of Biology and Environmental Science is part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. The research activities within this interdisciplinary institution cover areas such as aquatic ecology, cell and organismal biology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, environmental science and technology, animal welfare, and zoonotic ecology.

Linnaeus University's Centre of Excellence, Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS) in Kalmar, is seeking a Laboratory Technician for studies within molecular microbial ecology.

Subject Area of Employment: Molecular Microbial Ecology

Location: Kalmar.

Scope of Employment: Fixed-term position, 100% for 4 months.

Start Date: September 1, 2026, or by agreement.

Job Description

The Laboratory Technician will be a key resource within our research environment and will work within several research groups. The overarching goal of our research is to study the impact of changed environmental conditions and interactions in ecosystems on organisms. Expertise in molecular techniques is crucial for studying the distribution, diversity, function, and response of populations. The Laboratory Technician will contribute to generating new high-quality data within the research field.

In addition to assisting with the molecular workflow, an important task for the Laboratory Technician is to stay updated with the latest protocols, optimize, and troubleshoot. This requires expertise and experience in evaluating protocols and staying updated with literature in the field in ways that go beyond a single project. The Laboratory Technician is thus an important resource for knowledge transfer and the management of facilities and equipment used by several researchers (e.g., DNA and RNA extraction rooms, PCR machines, instruments to measure nucleic acid concentration and integrity, as well as knowledge of best practices for laboratory science and analysis).

Description of Duties

• Sampling, handling, and preparation of nucleic acid samples from environmental samples.
• Nucleic acid extractions: DNA and RNA, quantification, and quality control after extraction, as well as the ability to assess applicability afterwards.
• PCR and qPCR, including purifications, primer design, chemical troubleshooting, and preparations for sequencing.
• Use of flow cytometry to count cells.
• Method development and optimization of molecular analysis protocols.
• Training of bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral students in laboratory methods and laboratory safety.
• Writing risk assessments, ordering chemicals and reagents.

The research project is part of Linnaeus University's Centre of Excellence in Ecology and Evolution (EEMiS), which encompasses expertise in ecology, evolution, and microbiology.

Qualifications

The basic qualifications include:

• Basic education in a related field.
• Experience with good laboratory practices.
• Documented experience with molecular microbial methods.

Other assessment criteria:

• Good knowledge of written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently to solve problems.
• Ability to interact well within a research group.

For more information, please contact

Research Leader Hanna Farnelid, tel: 0480-446296, E-mail: [email protected]

Deputy Head of Department Andreas Svensson, tel: 0480-447319, E-mail: [email protected]

HR Partner Marianne Palmér, tel: 0480-447303, E-mail: [email protected]

Do you want to know more about the Department of Biology and Environmental Science? Read more on Linnaeus University's website.

We welcome your application by June 10, 2026.

The application should be written in English and include a CV (with phone number and email address), a cover letter describing experiences relevant to the position, a copy of your passport, documentation of your degree and grades, and any other documentation the applicant wishes to present. The applicant must also provide contact details (including phone number and email address) for two reference persons.

Linnaeus University aims to utilize the qualities that a balanced gender distribution and diversity bring to the organization. Register your application via the "Apply" button at the bottom of the advertisement. The merits you cite must be supported by certificates and attached digitally to your application. The application and other documents must be marked with the employment's case number. All documents cited must be received by the university no later than 23:59 on the last day of application. Please note that valid identification must be presented at the interview. We decline telephone calls from job advertisement salespersons.