Postdoc within gut microbial mucus modulation

The Department of Molecular Biology seeks a postdoctoral researcher who will work with gut microbial modulation of intestinal mucus function. The employment is full-time for two years with expected start 15 May, 2026 or by agreement. The application deadline is 10 March.

Project description and working tasks 

With the aim to better understand the interaction between gut microbiota and host, this research project aims to characterize how specific dietary supplements can affect the composition of the gut microbiota and the function of the intestinal mucus layer.

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 molecular biology approaches, anaerobic bacterial culturing, ex vivo and in vivo experiments as well as state-of-the-art mucus measurements and imaging techniques.

The specific work responsibilities of the postdoctoral researcher include:

·         Test how specific dietary supplements affect mucus penetrability in viable tissue.

·         Test how specific dietary supplements affect mucus growth rate in viable tissue.

·         Collect and analyse tissue and stool samples from in vivo experiments.

·         Culture anaerobic gut bacteria under various conditions by using an anaerobic chamber

·         Use enzymatic approaches to investigate specific microbial mucus degradation capacity in vitro

·         Perform computational analyses to investigate gut microbiota composition

The selected candidate will use a combination of animal and in vitro studies to reach these aims. Work tasks also include designing, performing and documenting experiments, presenting research results at conferences and internal meetings, and writing publications under supervision by the group leader

Qualifications  

To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.

To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.

Specific requirements

The postdoctoral candidate must have practical experience with intestinal ex vivo mucus function analyses as well as gut microbiota research, including anaerobic culturing techniques (e.g. anaerobic chamber, bioreactor) and analysis of 16S sequencing data. Furthermore, practical experience in working with mouse models is required.

Other requirements

The candidate must have demonstrated productivity through a strong publication record in internationally well-recognized scientific journals. Furthermore, the fellow needs to be organized, highly motivated and be able to work productively in a team as well as independently. Fluent oral and written communication in English and Swedish are essential for this project.

Desirable skills

Previous experience with carbohydrate-active enzymes, tissue staining techniques as well as expertise in the fields of host-microbe interaction and intestinal diseases are strong merits. Furthermore, it is desirable that the candidate has excellent communication skills, recognized, for example, through poster prizes or presentation prizes.

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  

A full application should include: 

• Cover letter, clearly describing your research experience, motivation and how your expertise matches the requirements (max 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae (CV; max 2 pages)
• Publication list
• Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained
• Contact information to two persons willing to act as references.

All documents should be combined into one single .pdf file

The application must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. The closing date is 10 March, 2026. 

More information

Information about the group's research can be found on our website www.mucubacter.org. For information of The Department of Molecular biology please visit our website Department of Molecular Biology. For more information about the position contact Björn Schröder, bjorn.schroder@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!