Staff Scientist in Bioinformatics

The Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, Sweden, invites applicants for a position as Staff Scientist in Bioinformatics. The position is temporary for four months and expected to start 1 January 2025 or according to agreement. Application deadline is 5 December 2024.

Description of the project 

The gut microbiota plays a central role in maintaining effective mucosal barrier function. In the current project, the candidate will study how dietary patterns influence the gut microbiome and mucus barrier function. We aim to understand how diet shapes microbial composition and affects the functional integrity of the mucus barrier. Our approach integrates whole metagenome sequencing, RNA sequencing and metabolomics. Together, these methods allow us to pinpoint microbial molecules and pathways that play critical roles in maintaining gut barrier function.

Work responsibilities 

·         Analyze   whole   metagenome   sequencing   data   to   profile   the taxonomic and functional composition of microbial communities and assess metabolic pathways.

·         Perform RNA-seq analysis to study host-microbe interactions.

·         Integrate multi-omics data.

·         Analyze 16S rDNA sequencing data from mouse and human gut microbiomes.

·         Provide bioinformatics support to the team.

Qualifications

We seek highly motivated candidates with a Ph.D. in molecular biology, or related discipline, with documented experience in studies of the gut microbiota and dietary fiber with a particular focus on carbohydrate-degradation enzymes. You should have hands-on experience with gut microbiota sequence analyses (16S, metagenomics), RNAseq analysis and multi-omics analyses. You should have a strong relevant research output, as evidenced by first authorship, or publications presenting ground-breaking new research findings within the microbiota field.  

Candidates must be fluent in spoken and written English. Since the project will be of collaborative nature, candidates are expected to function in a team and therefore have a good ability to co-operate. Excellent communication skills are required for interacting effectively with colleagues and peers, including colleagues from complementary research fields. Good initiative ability and experience in applying for research funding is a requirement.  

Merit is given if the candidate has conducted postdoctoral studies at a university other than where the doctoral studies were carried out.

How to apply

You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. The application must be received latest 5 December 2024. Your application must contain the following documents written in English or Swedish:

1.  A personal cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, how you can contribute to the project and in which direction you may want to develop it (no more than 2 A4 pages). 

2.  A curriculum vitae that documents academic education and past and previous employments. 

3.  A list with your publications. 

4.  A copy of the PhD certificate and other relevant degree certificates. 

5.  Names and contact details with e-mail addresses of two or three academic references. 

6.  Other relevant documentation you wish to include in support of your application. 

More about us

You can find more information about us at https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology/. For questions regarding the position, please contact the project supervisor: Björn Schröder bjorn.schroder@umu.se 

We welcome your application!