Group Leader in Molecular Infection Medicine

The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden MIMS (www.mims.umu.se) is looking for an excellent young researcher to become Group Leader for innovative research in molecular infection medicine. The topic includes but is not limited to research on the biology of bacteria, viruses, parasites and the microbiome and how these interact with the immune system of the host. MIMS has a strong track record of research into microbial (including viral) pathogenesis, and provides excellent access to national research infrastructure, including cutting edge cryo-electron microscopy and animal biosafety level 3 (ABSL3) facility.

MIMS intends to recruit a new Group Leader (Researcher) to start in the coming year. Funding is allocated for a five-year period, with the option of extension up to a total of nine years conditional upon a successful external evaluation in the fourth year.

The recruited researcher will receive extensive support to establish their own research group with members at postdoctoral and doctoral level. Successful applicants are also expected to be able to supplement their research budget by attracting national and international research grants.

MIMS Group Leaders are expected to conduct a successful research program in synergy with the multidisciplinary research environments in which MIMS is integrated and also participate in collaborations and joint activities that promote research and exchanges within The Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine (https://projects.au.dk/nordic-embl-partnership/).

Tasks

The tasks include primarily leading and conducting research in molecular infection medicine within the MIMS research environment. The research tasks also include seeking external funds for funding one's own research. Conducting education at postgraduate level in the subject area may be included. Administrative tasks and assignments within the department and the Faculty of Medicine may also be included. The ability to manage personnel and operations is expected for the position as Group Leader. The position is based in Umeå (but work in another place may occur).
 

Qualification requirements

To qualify as a Group Leader the applicant must have completed a doctorate or have a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Candidates should have undergone post-doctoral training and education in relevant research area. In addition, competence and commitment in training young researchers and supervision of scientific theses is required. 

We seek a talented early career researcher who has already produced excellent research work with relevance to molecular infectious medicine, is ready to work independently and shows potential to be a research leader. Successful candidates will be competitive for ERC Starting Grants and should therefore have obtained a doctoral degree, or corresponding qualifications, no later than two and no more than seven years before the application.

Assessment criteria

As a basis for assessment when hiring a Group Leader, the degree of such skill that is a requirement for eligibility for employment shall apply is scientific skills. Evidence of the ability to lead and train a team of researchers will also be considered.

A general basis for assessment for Group Leaders at Umeå University is both, good cooperative skills and the expertise and suitability in general required to complete the work duties satisfactorily.

The weighting of assessment criteria

During appointment, scientific skills will be given the highest weighting (¾). Evidence of the ability to lead and train a team of researchers will also be weighted (¼).

Description of the assessment criteria

In assessing scientific skills for this position, particular emphasis will be placed on independent research initiatives, innovation, relevance, quality and originality in ongoing and planned research in molecular infection medicine. Documentation of published original work in which the applicant has had a prominent role and received external research grants as main or co-applicant is considered as especially meritorious. Also meritorious is a post-doctoral stay at a university other than the one where the applicant completed his/her PhD, as well as referee assignments from international scientific journals. Experience of teaching in undergraduate and graduate education can be an advantage.  We expect an interest in training the next generation of researchers.

The applicant’s potential to develop collaborations with EMBL and the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine is also considered as meritorious for this position. 

Application

You apply via our e-recruitment system which you can reach via the application button below. Last application date is 28/02/2025. When the application is received, you will receive a confirmation email.

The application should include the following:

1. An introductory letter summarizing the applicant's career, previous research experience of relevance for molecular infection medicine, and the future research career plans (1-2 pages),
2. CV with a list of all scientific publications (with the five most important marked),
3. A copy of the doctoral degree certificate,
4. A short research plan (5 pages maximum) with a summary of expected results and importance in translational and molecular infection medicine research,
5. Names and contact details for three references.

Applications will be evaluated by a recruitment committee that includes faculty representing EMBL and the nodes within the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. A top ranked group of applicants will be invited to interview with the Recruitment Committee. The assessment will result in a recommendation to be forwarded to the MIMS Executive Board for decision which will be the documented basis for an employment decision by the dean of the faculty involved and for decision about departmental affiliation.

For more information, please contact MIMS Director, Professor Oliver Billker: oliver.billker@umu.se, +46 90 785 67 78 

We welcome your application!