Post doctor (2 years) within molecular biology

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.

The Department of molecular biology seeks a postdoctoral researcher who will work with the Alenius group exploring how diet regulate taste in Drosophila Melanogaster. The employment is full-time for two years with start in July 2024 or by agreement.

The team have this far combined the experimental powerful Drosophila system with mouse genetics to investigate the olfactory system development and function, https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/mattias-alenius-group/ . Now, they are shifting gears and this position is part of a novel project. The position involves using and developing state of the art Drosophila genomic tools, behaviour analyses and biochemistry approaches to identify novel signals and mechanisms that relate metabolism level to food choices and intake.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in Drosophila molecular biology, cell biology and behaviour studies. 

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. Postdoctoral fellows who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education. 

To be qualified, the subject of the doctoral degree or equivalent must be relevant to the position.

In the evaluation we will in addition place strong emphasis on ability to take responsibility, creativity, collaborative skills and initiative. Good skills in oral and written English are also considered a must. Additional skills in Drosophila neuroscience, imaging, metabolism, and taste behaviour analysis are also considered strong meriting factors.

A full application should include: 

• Cover letter in which you point out your documented Drosophila work experience.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list, where the Drosophila behavioural research is marked. 
• Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained, 
• Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim. 

The application must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is 1 April 2024.

Further details are provided by Prof. Mattias Alenius, email address:  [email protected].

Umeå is located next to the polar circle with the nature just around the corner and is a city with an international, welcoming, open attitude and a high quality of life, which makes this a great place to live and work.The university and the department of molecular biology has a long standing tradition of big discoveries and is the birth place of birth place of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. At the Department of molecular biology, we aim to understand complex biological problems such as infection, immunology, physiology, behaviour and cancer. We offer a stimulating, internationally diverse and highly collaborative work environment and competitive salary. You will also find yourself as part of the strongest Drosophila research environment in Sweden, equipped with cutting-edge research facilities. The surrounding research teams include members from across the world and English is the natural used language at the Department.