Postdoctoral position in Microbial Biochemistry

The Department of Molecular Biology seeks a postdoctor in microbial biochemistry for a temporary position for two years on full time. The position is expected to start 1 May 2025 or upon agreement. Application deadline is 24 March 2025.

Description of the project

With the aim to better understand the interaction between gut microbiota and host, this research project aims to characterize how specific gut bacteria degrade intestinal mucus.
The project will be carried out in the Schröder lab, located in the Department of Molecular Biology, which is part of the Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR). The position will include a variety of biochemical and molecular biology approaches, anaerobic bacterial culturing and extraction of mucus from different sources.

Work responsibilities

The specific work responsibilities of the postdoctoral researcher include:

·         Perform bioinformatic analyses to assess microbial mucus degradation capacity in silico
·         Collect and purify intestinal mucus from various biological sources
·         Culture anaerobic gut bacteria under various conditions
·         Establish and validate enzymatic approaches to investigate specific microbial mucus degradation capacity in vitro
The selected candidate will use a combination of in silico and in vitro approaches to reach these aims. Work tasks also include designing, performing and documenting experiments, presenting research results at conferences, and writing publications under supervision by the group leader.

Eligibility 

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in Biological Sciences 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. 
The candidate must have demonstrated scientific productivity through publications in respected international peer-reviewed journals and practical experience with gut microbiota research, including anaerobic culturing techniques (e.g. anaerobic chamber, bioreactor). Moreover, documented expertise with gut microbial proteases is required for this project. Furthermore, the fellow needs to have experience in bioinformatics (metagenomics and 16S rDNA mining and analyses).
The candidate needs to be organized, highly motivated and be able to independently drive the project. Fluent oral and written communication in English is essential for this project, and the fellow is expected to work productively in a team.

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. 
 
Since the project will require the collaboration between different teams or actors, project management skills are a strong merit. Previous experience in the fields of host-microbe interaction, carbohydrate-active enzymes and intestinal diseases are strong merits. The candidate should have international working experience and be willing to take initiatives. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

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 you and others. 

Application

The application must include:

·         Cover letter (max. 1 page) clearly describing your research experience, motivation and how your expertise matches the requirements

·         CV (max 2 pages)

·         List of publications

·         Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees

·         Contact details of two reference persons

The application must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest 24 March 2025.

More about us

For information of the department visit Department of Molecular Biology

Information about the group's research can be found on our website (www.mucubacter.org).

For more information about the position contact Björn Schröder, bjorn.schroder@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!