Vacant job

The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) is seeking excellent early-career researchers interested in becoming new group leaders for pioneering research in molecular infection medicine. The subject includes, but is not limited to, research on the biology of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and the microbiome, and how these interact with the host's immune system. MIMS has a strong track record in research on microbial (including viral) pathogenesis and offers excellent access to national research infrastructure, including cryo-electron microscopy and a Biosafety Level 3 animal facility (ABSL3).

MIMS intends to fund a new group leader position, titled "Researcher," over the coming years. The funding will primarily cover a period of up to five years, with the possibility of extension up to a total of nine years following an external evaluation in the fourth year.

The recruited researcher will receive comprehensive support to establish their own research group, comprising members at the postdoctoral and doctoral student levels. Applicants are also expected to be able to supplement their research budget through their own national and international research grants.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility is to lead and conduct research in molecular infection medicine within the research environment at The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, MIMS. Research-related duties also include applying for external funding to support one's own research. Teaching at the research level within the subject area may be included. Administrative tasks and assignments within the host institution may also be part of the role. Leadership of staff and operations is included, as the researcher is expected to lead their own research group.

The place of work is Umeå, but work at other locations may occur.

Qualifications

Eligible for appointment as a researcher is someone who has completed a doctoral degree or has a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a doctoral degree. Candidates must also have postdoctoral experience in a relevant research field. Additionally, there must be prerequisites and commitment to the education of young researchers and supervision of doctoral theses.

Since we are seeking candidates who have reached a career level corresponding to that required for applicants to the ERC Starting Grant and the Swedish Research Council's establishment grants, primarily those who have completed their doctoral degree, or reached equivalent competence, no more than two and no more than seven years prior to the application, should be considered. If there are special reasons, those who completed their doctoral degree earlier may also be considered. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical service, trust-based positions within trade unions or other similar circumstances, as well as service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

Evaluation Criteria

Scientific skill is the primary criterion for appointment as a researcher. The ability to lead and educate a team of researchers will also be assessed.

A general evaluation criterion for researchers at Umeå University is both good collaboration skills, as well as the competence and suitability otherwise required to perform the duties well.

Weighting of Evaluation Criteria

When making the appointment, scientific skill will be weighted highest (3). Additionally, the ability to lead and educate a team of researchers will be considered (1).

Description of Evaluation Criteria

In assessing scientific skill, particular weight will be placed on independent research efforts, innovation, relevance, quality, and originality in ongoing and planned research in molecular infection medicine. Particularly meritorious is documentation of published original papers where it is evident that the applicant has played a prominent role, as well as obtained external research grants as principal or co-applicant. Postdoctoral stays at institutions other than the one where the applicant defended their thesis are also meritorious, as are referee duties for international scientific journals.

Experience in teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels is meritorious. We expect an interest in educating the next generation of researchers.

For this position, demonstrating potential for collaborations with EMBL and the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine is particularly meritorious.

Application

You apply via our e-recruitment system, accessible via the application button. The deadline for applications is 2026-09-15. Once the application is received, you will receive a confirmation email.

The application must include the following:

• A cover letter summarizing the applicant's career, previous research experience relevant to molecular infection medicine, and motivation for future research career plans (1–2 pages).
• CV with a list of all scientific publications (with the five most important marked).
• A copy of the doctoral degree certificate.
• A concise research plan (maximum 5 pages) with a summary of expected results and significance within translational and molecular medical infection research.
• Names and contact details for three reference persons.

The applications will be evaluated by external experts in a recruitment committee consisting of members representing EMBL and the nodes within the “Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine”. A top-ranked group of applicants will be invited for an interview with the recruitment committee. The assessment will result in a recommendation to the MIMS Board for decision, which forms the basis for institutional affiliation and the employment decision by the relevant faculty dean.