Vacant job

The Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University has a broad research profile with strong research groups focusing on, among other things, cancer, genetic and autoimmune diseases. A key principle at the department is to stimulate translational research and thereby promote closer collaboration between medical research and healthcare. Research is conducted within six research programs: cancer precision medicine, cancer immunotherapy, genomics and neurobiology, molecular tools and functional genomics, neuro-oncology and neurodegeneration, and vascular biology. Parts of the operations are also integrated with the departments of oncology, clinical genetics, clinical immunology, clinical pathology, and hospital physics at Uppsala University Hospital. The department has teaching responsibilities for several degree programs, standalone courses, and international master's programs within the Faculty of Medicine. The department has an annual turnover of approximately 550 million SEK, of which about two-thirds are external research grants. The number of employees is approximately 400, of which about 100 are doctoral students, and there are over 850 active members in the workforce. Read more about the department's activities here: www.uu.se/medarbetare/institution/immunologi-genetik-och-patologi (https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/institution/immunologi-genetik-och-patologi)

The Xingqi Chen Lab at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology is advertising a position as a postdoctoral research assistant/postdoc in computational biology. Our laboratory develops new single-cell and spatial biology techniques and applies them to clinically relevant human samples (https://www.chenlabuppsala.com (https://www.chenlabuppsala.com)). This position is fully funded by a grant from the European Research Council (ERC) and focuses on the development of a new computational analysis package for single-cell and spatial multiomics data.

Research Scope

The successful candidate will play a leading role in the development of computational and statistical methods for single-cell RNA-seq, single-cell ATAC-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and other high-dimensional spatial biology techniques. The research will be closely integrated with technology development and clinical applications, offering opportunities for high-impact translational research.

Job Description

• Lead and drive an ERC-funded research project
• Design, implement, and maintain a computational program for single-cell and spatial biology
• Develop robust and scalable computational and statistical methods for high-dimensional data analysis
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets derived from clinical samples
• Collaborate with experimental researchers, clinicians, and engineers
• Supervise doctoral students and undergraduate students
• Publish research in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals and contribute to project reporting

What We Offer

• ERC-funded stability: A well-supported postdoctoral position with secure funding
• Cutting-edge research: Method development at the forefront of single-cell and spatial biology
• Rich clinical data: Access to unique, large-scale single-cell and spatial datasets
• Strong computational infrastructure: High-performance computing resources and software support
• Career development: Active mentoring, publication support, and guidance toward independent funding
• Leadership opportunities: Supervision of students and ownership of a major research project
• Competitive salary and benefits: In accordance with institutional and ERC regulations

Qualifications

• A PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, biomedical engineering, or a related quantitative discipline, or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD. The degree must be completed no later than the time the employment decision is made. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed their degree within the last three years. When calculating the three-year time limit, the starting point is the last application date. In exceptional cases, a degree completed earlier may be considered. Exceptional cases include leave due to illness, parental leave, trust positions in trade unions, etc.
• Strong computational and programming skills (e.g., Python and/or R)
• Documented experience in single-cell and/or spatial omics data analysis
• Solid foundation in statistics and high-dimensional data analysis
• Evidence of research excellence through peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Merits

• Experience in developing and maintaining computational tools or software packages
• Familiarity with spatial biology techniques and workflows
• Experience working with clinical or translational datasets
• Previous experience supervising students

About the Position

The position is fixed-term for 2 years according to the central collective agreement, with the possibility of a 1-year extension. The position is full-time. Start date by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Xingqi Chen, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Please submit your application by June 26, 2026, Ref: UFV-PA 2026/67

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 7,500 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: https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

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

We 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])

Open to all
We focus on your competence, not your other prerequisites. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.