Postdoctoral position in evolutionary immunology

The Department of Molecular Biology seeks a postdoctor for a temporary position for two years on full time. The position is expected to start on 1 May 2025 or upon agreement.

Description of the project

The Morimoto Lab specializes in immunology research with a focus on evolutionary perspectives of antigen receptor diversification, leveraging non-conventional model organisms. This project aims to uncover the mechanisms of hematopoietic differentiation in the unique innate immune systems of invertebrate species, potentially involving physiological genome editing processes in the host. To achieve this, the research will employ a multidisciplinary approach, integrating conventional developmental biology with advanced techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis, light-sheet microscopy, genomics, and single-cell transcriptomics.

Further details are provided by Ryo Morimoto on request, ryo.morimoto@umu.se

Work responsibilities

This full-time, two-year fixed-term position offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated researcher to join our team. The role involves planning and conducting experimental research using invertebrate model systems to investigate the mechanisms by which potential host genome editing processes enhance antigen receptor diversity, contributing to a deeper understanding of the human immune system.

The experimental work will involve a variety of advanced techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis, imaging, genomics, and single-cell transcriptomics. The position also includes responsibilities for analyzing and summarizing data for scientific publications and presenting findings at academic conferences.

Eligibility 

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in natural science is eligible for appointment as postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time at which the appointment decision is made. 

Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, capable of working both independently and collaboratively, and demonstrate excellent communication skills to engage effectively with senior researchers and peers across diverse scientific fields. We will place strong emphasis on the candidate’s ability to take responsibility, demonstrate creativity, and exhibit strong collaborative skills and initiative.

Experience in immunology, developmental biology, invertebrate model systems, imaging techniques, microinjection, and CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis or transgenesis will be considered valuable assets. Additional experience in bioinformatics, or a willingness to develop such skills, is highly valued.

Additional useful qualifications

Since appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is a career-development position for junior researchers, we are primarily interested in applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an applicant who has completed their degree earlier than that may be considered. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointments of trust for a trade union organisation or other similar circumstances, and for relevant duties/assignments within the subject area. 

The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in immunology, particularly in the evolutionary aspects of diverse immune systems. They should be self-motivated, adaptable, and eager to contribute to an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment within a diverse and international team.

More information about the position

The appointment is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years in accordance with the terms of contract for fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher. 

More information about the group's research can be found on our website www.umu.se/en/research/groups/ryo-morimoto.

For more information of The Department of Molecular biology please visit our website www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology. For more information about MIMS, please visit www.umu.se/en/mims/research/group-leaders.

Application

The application must include:

• A brief description of your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in the position.
• CV   
• List of publications
• Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees
• Contact details of two reference persons

The application must be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest 31 January 2025.

We welcome your application!