Project Assistant
Umeå University, Faculty Office of Medicine
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.
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The Faculty of Medicine, which consists of 12 departments, is responsible for biomedical research and courses in the field of nursing and health care and has an extensive research and graduate education in more than 80 subjects.
The Department of Medical and Translational Biology at the Faculty of Medicine is now seeking a project assistant for a research project related to Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Touch in Vertebrate Skin. The position is temporary for 6 months.
Project Description
Every animal experiences the world in its own way, shaped by the sensory systems it uses to detect and interpret the environment. Nikolaev lab investigates how vertebrates sense and process environmental signals across scales, from molecules and ion channels to cells and specialized sensory endings. Using comparative, molecular, morphological and functional approaches, we explore how sensory systems are built, how they adapt, and how they vary across species especially in non-standard model organisms. We are inspired by the diversity found in nature and seek to uncover basic mechanisms of how nervous systems function.
https://www.nikolaevlab.com/
Work Duties
The project assistant will take part in experiments aimed at understanding how mechanosensitive neurons and supporting cells detect mechanical stimuli. Experimental work will include patch-clamp recordings, immunostaining, imaging, and tissue preparation in non-standard animal models. In addition to developing independent skills, this role is designed for someone looking to establish a foundational research body that can be bridged into an advanced academic qualification.
Qualifications
It is a requirement that you have:
- MS degree or equivalent in neuroscience, physiology, biology, biophysics or related discipline.
- Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written.
- Interest in neurobiology, sensory physiology, or regeneration.
Personal Qualities:
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
Meritorious:
Strong emphasis will be placed on motivation. Additional experience in one or more of the following areas is advantageous:
- Patch-clamp electrophysiology and tissue culture.
- Molecular biology and immunohistochemistry.
- Image analysis, data visualization, or programming.
The position is full-time and limited to 6 months.
Application
Your application should be written in Swedish or English and submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 2026-02-13.
The application must include:
- A short cover letter (approximately one A4 page) describing the applicant’s research experience, research interests, and suitability for the project.
- A CV (Curriculum Vitae) including degrees, technical expertise, employment history, and names and contact information for 1 referens.
- Other documents the applicant wishes to include.
Contact Information:
Information about the position is provided by Yury Nikolaev
Email: yury.nikolaev@umu.se
Department of Medical and Translational Biology
Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå
We look forward to receiving your application!
| Type of employment | Special fixed-term employment |
|---|---|
| Contract type | Full time |
| Number of positions | 1 |
| Full-time equivalent | 100% |
| City | Umeå |
| County | Västerbottens län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference number | AN 2.2.1-72-26 |
| Union representative |
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| Published | 16.Jan.2026 |
| Last application date | 13.Feb.2026 |