Vacant job

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest higher education institutions, with over 41,500 students and approximately 4,600 employees. The university offers a diverse range of high-quality education and world-leading research across several scientific fields. It was here that the groundbreaking discovery of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 was made, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.

The Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest faculties at Umeå University, attracting many students with a comprehensive range of programs in medicine, dentistry, health, and care. We offer a well-developed research infrastructure and an inspiring, dynamic environment with leading research. Our close collaboration with the four regions in the Northern Healthcare Region is seen as a significant mutual asset for developing research and education, and for securing the supply of future healthcare personnel.

Senior Staff Scientist in Molecular Medicine

The Department of Clinical Sciences at Umeå University is seeking a Senior Staff Scientist in Molecular Medicine. The position is full-time and permanent, starting in autumn 2026 or as agreed.

Description of the Role

The Department of Clinical Sciences conducts internationally competitive research in molecular medicine, with strong links to clinical practice. A central focus is the development and application of advanced methods to study genetic, molecular, and microbial mechanisms underlying disease and health, particularly in pediatric medicine and translational research.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Staff Scientist, you will play a key role in developing, driving, and coordinating advanced research infrastructure in molecular medicine. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Development, implementation, and application of advanced methods in molecular biology, genetics, and sequencing-based research.
• Establishment and further development of robust workflows for DNA and RNA analysis, including next-generation sequencing (Illumina) and third-generation long-read sequencing (Oxford Nanopore).
• Development, adaptation, and integration of bioinformatics analysis pipelines for sequence and multi-omics data in ongoing research projects.
• Coordination and operation of research infrastructure, including method responsibility, quality assurance, technical development, and long-term management of method platforms.
• Scientific and methodological support to research groups, including project development, study design, and advanced data analysis.
• Supervision and training of technical staff, doctoral students, and students in relevant methodological and analytical areas.
• Active participation in grant applications, reporting, and strategic development of the research environment.
• Collaboration with clinical practice as well as national and international external partners.

Qualifications

For the position of Senior Staff Scientist, a PhD in molecular medicine or another research field relevant to the position is required. Furthermore, extensive knowledge and experience in human molecular medicine are required, with independent responsibility for advanced molecular characterization and integrated analysis in complex, longitudinal, and intervention-based studies, as well as very good knowledge of underlying theories and principles.

Additionally, specific competence in the development, adaptation, and application of advanced sequencing-based and computational methods for molecular analysis of biological systems is required.

The position also requires:

• Experience in qualified management and coordination work with research infrastructure, such as team leadership, budgeting, coordination, collaboration, reporting, and grant and funding work.
• Experience in advanced tasks involving the development and application of advanced methods in areas relevant to the position, such as third-generation long-read sequencing (Oxford Nanopore), sequencing-based transcriptomics, and associated bioinformatics analysis pipelines for large-scale molecular data.
• Very good ability to communicate scientific results orally and in writing in English.

Meritorious Qualifications

It is meritorious if you also have:

• Documented scientific production through publications in internationally well-regarded peer-reviewed journals, particularly in molecular medicine, genomics, or related fields.
• Experience in translational research and working at the interface between academic research and clinical practice.
• Experience in independently developing and conducting educational and competence-building initiatives, such as courses, workshops, and method training, aimed at researchers, technical staff, or students.
• Experience in long-term national and international research collaborations.
• Experience in, supervision of, and work with occupational health and quality issues in a research environment.

Application

You apply via Umeå University's e-recruitment system, Varbi, by 2026-08-15.

The application should include:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Publication list
• PhD diploma
• Other relevant documents

For further information, please contact Christina West.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Umeå University aims to offer an equal and inclusive environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lays the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.

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