Vacant job

The Department of Molecular Biology is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a project on the interaction between diet, gut microbiota, and intestinal mucosal function. The position is full-time for two years, with an expected start date in September 2026 or as agreed. The application deadline is June 10, 2026.

Project Description

The project aims to deepen the understanding of the interaction between gut microbiota and the host organism. The studies will elucidate how defined dietary regimens modulate the composition and function of the gut microbiota as well as the properties of the mucus layer.

The project is conducted in the Schröder lab at the Department of Molecular Biology. The department is part of MIMS (Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden) and UCMR (Umeå Centre for Microbial Research). The work will involve various molecular biological methods, anaerobic bacterial culture, ex vivo and in vivo experiments, as well as advanced measurement techniques and imaging methods for mucus. The project also includes data analysis of complex datasets.

Responsibilities

• Test how a specific dietary regimen affects mucus penetration in viable tissue.
• Test how a specific dietary regimen affects mucus growth rate in viable tissue.
• Analyze tissue and fecal samples from in vivo experiments.
• Use enzymatic methods to investigate specific microbial mucus degradation in vitro.
• Perform computational analysis of microbiota composition and function.
• Perform computational analysis of microbiota-produced metabolites.

The selected candidate will use a combination of animal models, in vitro studies, and in silico methods to achieve the project's goals. Responsibilities also include designing, performing, and documenting experiments, presenting research results at conferences and internal meetings, and authoring scientific publications under the supervision of the group leader.

Qualifications

To be employed as a postdoctoral researcher, a PhD degree, or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD in medical science/molecular biology, is required. The eligibility requirement must be met no later than at the time of the employment decision.

According to the postdoctoral agreement, preference is given to applicants who have completed their PhD within the last three years. Applicants who defended their thesis earlier may still be eligible if there are special reasons. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, trust positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service relevant to the subject area.

Specific Requirements

Applicants must have practical experience in: ex vivo analysis of intestinal mucus function, research on gut microbiota, including fecal microbiota transplantation, confocal microscopy, computational analysis of microbiota sequence data in R or Python, and work with mouse models.

Other Requirements

The candidate must have documented productivity through a strong publication list in internationally well-regarded scientific journals. The candidate needs to be organized, motivated, and able to work both independently and in a team. Very good oral and written English skills are required.

Merits

Experience in the following is highly meritorious:

• Carbohydrate-active enzymes
• Tissue staining techniques
• Research in host-microbe interactions and intestinal diseases
• Very good communication skills are also desirable, for example demonstrated through collaborations or awards for posters/presentations.

As an employee here, you contribute to an inclusive culture and a positive work environment. This means communicating effectively across differences, collaborating well with others, showing respect, care, and empathy, and contributing to a good balance between work and private life – both for yourself and your colleagues.

Application

A complete application should include:

• A cover letter clearly describing research background, motivation, and how your expertise matches the requirements (max 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae (CV; max 2 pages)
• Publication list
• Notarized copy of PhD degree or documents proving when the degree is expected to be obtained
• Contact details for two reference persons
• All documents must be combined into one (1) PDF file.

The application should be written in Swedish or English and submitted via our electronic recruitment system. The application deadline is June 10, 2026.

About Us

For more information about the department, read more here: Department of Molecular Biology (#)

More information about the group's research can be found on our website www.mucubacter.org (http://www.mucubacter.org)

For questions about the position, contact: Björn Schröder, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

We look forward to receiving your application!