Vacant job

MIMS is looking for a Research Coordinator in the role of Head of Strategy and Governance for a permanent full-time position, to start as soon as possible or by agreement. A probationary period may apply. The position is located at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University. More information about MIMS can be found on our website: www.umu.se/mims (http://www.umu.se/mims).

Responsibilities

As MIMS grows, we are strengthening our leadership capacity by appointing a Research Coordinator as Head of Strategy and Governance. You will join an established team consisting of the Head of Research and Academic Affairs (at the same level as this position) and a Project Administrator. Together, you will work closely with the MIMS Director and Deputy Director to support the development and implementation of the institute's overarching scientific strategy.

As Head of Strategy and Governance, you will contribute both strategic direction and operational leadership to MIMS. In this role, you are responsible for institutional leadership, governance, external partnerships, and financial monitoring.

You will play a central role in shaping MIMS's strategic position within the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine – an international scientific collaboration spanning four Nordic countries. As MIMS's primary representative in this partnership, you will serve as the main contact person and drive our engagement. Additionally, you are responsible for the Nordic EMBL Partnership's postdoctoral program, NORPOD, where MIMS acts as the host organization. The program involves significant financial resources and requires advanced administrative monitoring, coordination, and strategic governance.

In this role, you will work closely with the Scientific and Executive Boards, which advise and evaluate the institute and its researchers, while leading the preparation of reports and strategic plans. Close collaboration with the department's controller is required, including participation in financial meetings, budget work, applications for external funding, extensions of external funding, and interpreting budget information for various purposes and stakeholders.

With your experience in academic project management, and preferably also in industry, you will contribute – in close collaboration with the Head of Research and Academic Affairs – to developing a strategic and supportive environment for new research directions and collaborations. You will also contribute to increased efficiency, the development of internal workflows, and the modernization of how we present and report our activities, for example in our biennial report.

The role also includes strategic planning and implementation of events and workshops for our researchers and their growing network of national and international partners. Your previous experience in organizing scientific events is therefore a significant asset.

Finally, you have a strong professional background that provides a stable foundation for assuming a central coordinating role for MIMS. You work both independently and in close collaboration with the Head of Research and Academic Affairs, contributing to delivering the strategic and operational leadership the institute needs.

Qualifications

• A PhD in molecular life sciences is required.
• Documented research merits, including peer-reviewed publications and/or awarded research grants.
• Very good ability to communicate orally and in writing in English, including the ability to adapt communication to different target groups, demonstrated through experience in producing reports, strategic documents, and presentations.
• At least three years of documented experience in project management, with a good understanding of project management processes, research administration, decision-making structures, and associated administrative workflows.
• Documented experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating research funding instruments.
• Experience working in or near research-intensive environments.
• Experience working with budgets and financial reporting in funded projects or programs.
• Documented ability to manage multiple parallel priorities in complex organizations.
• Experience collaborating with stakeholders across disciplines and organizations (e.g., boards, partners, or funders).
• Documented experience in organizing and leading scientific events on both small and large scales.
• Given the nature of the role, you demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, and prioritization skills and thrive in a complex and dynamic work environment.
• You work effectively both independently and in teams, and have a proactive, solution-oriented approach with high initiative.

Desirable Qualifications

• Basic level or higher in Swedish, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of the European and Swedish research environment and its funding landscape.
• Experience from the life science industry.
• Experience leading larger research or postdoctoral programs.
• Experience contributing to the development or improvement of organizational processes and workflows.
• Scientific background closely related to MIMS's activities in molecular infectious medicine.

Application

Applications must be submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi and received no later than July 15, 2026. The application should be written in English (preferred) or Swedish and include:

• A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how you meet the basic requirements as well as any desirable qualifications (max two A4 pages).
• A CV documenting education and current and previous employment.
• Names and email addresses of two to three references.
• Any other relevant documentation you wish to include to support your application.

Contact person: Oliver Billker, [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application!

Department of Molecular Biology

For more information about the Department of Molecular Biology, please visit our website: www.umu.se/molbiol (http://www.umu.se/molbiol)