Group Leader in Molecular Infection Medicine

Umeå Universitet; Umeå kommun; On-site; SEK 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Umeå Universitet is seeking a Group Leader in Molecular Infection Medicine to lead research projects focused on the biology of infectious agents. The position requires leading a team, seeking funding, and contributing to education at the postgraduate level.

Ideal candidates should have a doctoral degree, relevant post-doctoral experience, and strong skills in research leadership. This full-time role offers a five-year funding commitment, with the potential for extension.

Qualifications

• Doctorate completed within the past two to seven years.
• Experience in leading research teams.
• Track record in molecular infectious medicine research.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct research in molecular infection medicine.
• Manage personnel and operations as Group Leader.
• Conduct education at postgraduate level in the subject area.

Skills

Independent research initiative

Training and supervision of young researchers

Fundraising for research

Team leadership

Education

Doctorate or equivalent degree

Post-doctoral training in relevant area

Job description

Group Leader in Molecular Infection Medicine

MIMS is looking for an excellent young researcher to become Group Leader for innovative research in molecular infection medicine. The topic includes, but is not limited to, research on the biology of bacteria, viruses, parasites and the microbiome and how these interact with the immune system of the host. MIMS has a strong track record of research into microbial (including viral) pathogenesis and provides access to national research infrastructure, including cutting edge cryo‑electron microscopy and animal biosafety level 3 (ABSL3) facilities.

We seek a talented early career researcher who has already produced excellent research work with relevance to molecular infectious medicine, is ready to work independently, and shows potential to be a research leader.

MIMS intends to recruit a new Group Leader (Researcher) to start in the coming year. Funding is first allocated for a five‑year period, with the option of extension up to a total of nine years conditional upon a successful external evaluation in the fourth year.

Tasks

The tasks include leading and conducting research in molecular infection medicine within the MIMS research environment, seeking external funds for one’s own research, and conducting education at postgraduate level in the subject area. Administrative tasks and assignments within the host department may also be included. The ability to manage personnel and operations is expected for the position as Group Leader. The position is based in Umeå (but work in another place may occur).

Qualification requirements

Applicants must have completed a doctorate or have a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate, and have undergone post‑doctoral training and education in a relevant research area. Competence and commitment in training young researchers and supervision of scientific theses is required. Successful candidates will be competitive for ERC Starting Grants and Swedish Research Council starting grants and should therefore have obtained a doctoral degree, or corresponding qualifications, no later than two and no more than seven years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, earlier completion may be considered.

Assessment criteria

The assessment will be based on scientific skills and the evidence of the ability to lead and train a team of researchers. Special emphasis will be placed on independent research initiatives, innovation, relevance, quality, and originality in ongoing and planned research.

Application

You apply via our e‑recruitment system. The last application date is 15/09/2026. Applications should include the following:

• An introductory letter summarizing the applicant’s career, previous research experience relevant to molecular infection medicine, and the motivation for future research career plans (1‑2 pages).
• CV with a list of all scientific publications (with the five most important marked).
• A copy of the doctoral degree certificate.
• A short research plan (5 pages maximum) with a summary of expected results and importance in translational and molecular infection medicine research.
• Names and contact details for three references.

For more information, please contact MIMS Director, Professor Oliver Billker: [e-mail], [phone].

We welcome your application!

Umeå University strives to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lays the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.

Type of employment: Full time

First day of employment: As agreed

Reference number: AN 2026/891