Postdoctoral position (2 years and 10 months) within Molecular ecology

Wifo; Umeå kommun; On-site; SEK 535,680 - 669,600; Full time

Job summary

Umeå University seeks a postdoctoral researcher in molecular ecology for a 2 year 10 month appointment. The project centers on rapid species detection using LAMP, with duties spanning lab work, primer testing, and DNA extraction from diverse samples.

You will liaise with partners across Sweden and Finland and help prepare guidelines and outreach activities. The successful candidate should have a doctoral degree in a related field and strong English communication skills, with the ability to work

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Ecology, or related field completed or expected by appointment.
• Experience with DNA extraction and amplification approaches.
• Excellent written and oral English language skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory work and further develop LAMP for practical ecological use.
• Test newly designed primer sets on samples from various tissues and substrates.
• Extract DNA from diverse substrates and coordinate laboratory activities.
• Engage stakeholders, create guidelines, and organize webinars/workshops as needed.

Skills

DNA extraction

PCR / LAMP

Lab coordination

Scientific communication

Problem solving

English proficiency

Education

Doctoral degree in Molecular Biology / Ecology

Tools

LAMP method

DNA extraction equipment

Sample handling tools

Job description

Postdoctoral position (2 years and 10 months) within Molecular ecology

The Department of Ecology, Environment, and Geoscience seeks a postdoctoral researcher in molecular ecology (or related field). The employment is on full-time for 2 years and 10 months, with expected starting date 1 September 2026 or according to agreement. Last application date is July 31st, 2026.

Project description and working tasks

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join project “Rapid Detect—Transboundary Action: Fast Species Detection using LAMP” at the Department of Ecology, Environment, and Geoscience, PI Associate Professor Anu Valtonen. This project is a collaboration among Umeå University, University of Eastern Finland, University of Oulu, and Natural Resources Institute Finland, funded by Interreg Aurora. The project seeks to apply LAMP (loop‑mediated isothermal amplification), a molecular species identification/detection method, to a range of species that are invasive or endangered in Northern Fennoscandia. The successful candidate will be responsible for laboratory work in this project, further developing the method for practical application to contexts in ecology and conservation. Main tasks will include testing newly designed primer sets on samples derived from a range of tissues and substrates and extracting DNA from these diverse substrates as needed. An important goal of Rapid Detect is to engage relevant stakeholders, and the postdoctoral researcher will play an important role in streamlining the method for potential uptake by external parties, creating guidelines and eventually organizing a webinar and hands‑on workshop. Where possible, samples will be sourced via partners, and the postdoctoral researcher will be partially responsible for obtaining samples from Sweden.

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 must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision. Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree within three years prior, and special reasons (e.g., illness, parental leave, military service, clinical practice, or similar circumstances) may also be considered. The doctoral degree should be in Molecular Biology, Ecology, or a related field.

• Experience in relevant DNA extraction and amplification approaches (possibly but not necessarily including LAMP).
• Performing and coordinating lab work and lab material acquisitions independently.
• Understanding of the practical considerations in molecular field monitoring methods.
• The ability to clearly communicate and strategize with project partners and non‑specialists alike, online and in person.
• Creativity in problem‑solving when dealing with novel materials or deviating from established protocols.
• Excellent written and oral English language skills.

Merits

We do not expect the selected candidate to be proficient in all of the following from the outset, but they should be eager to obtain the relevant skills or knowledge. The following are considered advantageous:

• Experience with field sampling methods or species monitoring.
• Involvement in science communication and outreach activities.
• Familiarity with Swedish ecological monitoring institutes or companies.
• Knowledge on endangered and/or invasive alien species in Northern Fennoscandia.

Personal qualities

On a personal level, we are looking for someone who can bear responsibility for their own independent work while simultaneously smoothly collaborating with partners across several institutes. We would like you to:

• Be able to organize and structure your work.
• Deliver results as agreed upon.
• Be proactive, engaged, and willing to show and take initiative.
• Be interested in sharing your knowledge.

Application

A full application, written in Swedish or English, should include:

• Cover letter (max. 2 pages) stating how your previous research experience fits with this post‑doc project.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list.
• Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained.
• Verified copies of certificates from higher education.
• Copy of doctoral thesis (with articles included to the thesis).

References will be requested prior to the potential interview.

The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. The closing date is 31 July 2026.

Contact

Further details are provided by Anu Valtonen ([e-mail]).

Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay 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.