Laboratory Engineer to support a malaria transmission model

Umeå universitet, Teknisk-naturvetenskaplig fakultet

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

The Department of Molecular Biology

The department provides a vibrant interfaculty research environment and there is access to a wide range of state-of-the-art imaging, metabolomics, genomics and screening facilities. You will join a research team that is part of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), which is internationally well-connected through the EMBL Nordic Partnership for Molecular Medicine.

The Department of Molecular Biology seeks a laboratory engineer for permanent and full-time employment with a starting date 1 April 2025 or by agreement. Probationary period may be applied.

Description of tasks

We are looking for an experienced laboratory engineer to support a team of researchers who address important questions of malaria parasite biology and their transmission by mosquitoes. Your priority will be to manage our mosquito colonies and animal models, including the necessary equipment and reagents used by the team. You will also work under the guidance of the group leader to introduce, develop or optimize protocols and technologies for molecular parasitology research, breeding mosquitoes and studying malaria transmission.

For additional information, visit our lab page, https://billkerlab.org, or contact Oliver Billker (oliver.billker@umu.se).

Qualifications

You hold an MSc degree in a life science and have at least 3 years’ experience working productively with animal parasites in a research laboratory. From your experience you will know what it means to maintain parasite life cycles and you are experienced and willing to conduct research with animals. You have a track record of solving problems and optimizing protocols. Experience with breeding insects or other invertebrates would be an advantage, as would be experience with genome-wide molecular approaches. You are well organized and an outstanding team worker, and you communicate well in English and Swedish.

As an employee with us, you contribute to fostering an inclusive culture and a positive work environment. This involves communicating effectively across differences, demonstrating a collaborative spirit and the ability to work well with others. You maintain openness and a welcoming attitude, showing respect, compassion, and empathy. You engage with and support colleagues from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and promote a healthy work-life balance for both yourself and others.

Application

The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest 27 Februari 2025. The application must include:

A personal cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how you satisfy the requirements for this position (no more than one A4 page).
A curriculum vitae that documents academic education and past and previous employments.
Copy of MSc certificate.
List of any publications, including a brief description of your contribution.
Other relevant documentation you wish to include in support of your application.

We welcome your application!