Postdoctoral position in cardiovascular genetics

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our translational research team at Umeå University. The position is embedded within a multidisciplinary project focused on myocarditis, aiming to improve diagnostics and clinical risk stratification through molecular profiling of affected patients.

Description of the project

Our research team explores the molecular underpinnings of myocarditis through a systems medicine approach. By integrating data from genomics, virology, immunology, metabolomics, and microRNA analyses, all derived from well-characterized patient cohorts, we aim to uncover molecular signatures linked to disease onset, severity, and the risk of long-term cardiac complications such as dilated cardiomyopathy. 

Work responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will play a central role in conducting laboratory-based experimental work using clinical samples, with a particular emphasis on microRNA profiling and whole-genome or exome sequencing, including metagenomic approaches for virome characterization. Beyond experimental work, the fellow is expected to actively participate in scientific meetings, collaborative projects, and the dissemination of research findings through publications and conference presentations. Maintaining clear, well-documented, and reproducible analysis workflows is essential to the role.

Eligibility 

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a PhD in molecular biology, biomedicine, or a related field 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 ideal candidate will have a solid background in microRNA research and hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, particularly in the context of human disease. Success in this role requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, along with excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken. Strong communication and organizational skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality results within set deadlines, are essential. Personal motivation and suitability for the position will be important factors in the selection process.

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. 

Extensive experience in designing and conducting microRNA experiments to identify and characterize microRNA profiles in clinical samples under defined pathological conditions is highly desirable. Proven expertise in preparing sequencing libraries for whole genome sequencing is considered a strong merit. Additional qualifications include specialized knowledge in cardiovascular genetics and bioinformatics skills relevant to the analysis of microRNA and sequencing data.

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.

This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cardiology, virology, and cutting-edge genomics within a dynamic and collaborative research environment at Umeå University. Anchored in a well-defined clinical cohort and biobank of myocarditis patients, and conducted in close collaboration with the Heart Centre, Pediatric Clinic, and Centre for Cardiovascular Genetics, the project enables deep phenotyping and genotyping in a clinically meaningful context.

Our team is part of The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), the Swedish node of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. MIMS supports research excellence in infection medicine and provides a strong platform for early-career scientists through its ties to EMBL and a broad Nordic network.

For more information, please visit: https://www.umu.se/en/mims/, https://www.umu.se/forskning/grupper/anne-tuiskunen-back-lab/

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 Swedish or English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest 10 august 2025. 

We look forward to receiving your application.