Postdoctoral position in virus-initiated membrane remodelling

Wifo; Sweden; On-site; SEK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Umeå University in Sweden seeks a post-doctoral researcher to investigate virus-induced membrane remodeling and organelle formation. You will work across virology, biochemistry, structural biology and advanced imaging in a two-year fixed-term position.

You will apply real-time fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis to study flavivirus and alphavirus models, contributing to mechanistic understanding and publication of findings.

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in cell biology or virology is required.
• Extensive practical experience in real-time fluorescence microscopy, quantitative image analysis, cloning, protein and lipid biochemistry, and working with viruses.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and the ability to conduct independent scientific work and publish findings are required.
• Applicants who completed their doctoral degree within the last three years are preferred.
• Additional experience in lipid membranes, membrane-associated proteins, membrane remodelling, and electron microscopy is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Culturing and analysing mammalian cell models for infection
• Designing and developing infection models of flavivirus and alphaviruses
• Generating and analysing reconstituted membrane model systems
• Lipid and protein biochemistry
• Advanced live-cell fluorescence microscopy including TIRF and SIM
• Design and establish image analysis workflow
• Correlative light and electron microscopy analysis

Skills

Real-time fluorescence microscopy

Quantitative image analysis

Cloning

Protein biochemistry

Lipid biochemistry

Virology

Virus handling

Education

PhD in cell biology or virology

Job description

Department of Medical and Translational Biology

Umeå University is engaged in cutting‑edge biomedical and translational biology research. The Department focuses on mechanistic studies of how viruses create virus replication organelles in host cells, particularly for flaviviruses and alphaviruses. The research involves the role of specific lipid species and membrane properties in the formation of these organelles.

Project Overview

The project aims to dissect the mechanistic basis for virus‑induced membrane remodeling and organelle formation, integrating virology, biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology and advanced imaging techniques.

Work responsibilities

• Culturing and analysing mammalian cell models for infection
• Designing and developing infection models of flavivirus and alphaviruses
• Generating and analysing reconstituted membrane model systems
• Lipid and protein biochemistry
• Advanced live‑cell fluorescence microscopy including TIRF and SIM
• Design and establish image analysis workflow
• Correlative light and electron microscopy analysis

Qualifications

A doctoral degree in cell biology or virology (or an equivalent foreign qualification) is required. Applicants should have extensive practical experience in real‑time fluorescence microscopy, quantitative image analysis, cloning, protein and lipid biochemistry, and working with viruses. Proficiency in written and spoken English and the ability to conduct independent scientific work and publish findings are required.

Applicants who completed their doctoral degree within the last three years are preferred. Additional experience in lipid membranes, membrane‑associated proteins, membrane remodelling, and electron microscopy is advantageous. Genuine enthusiasm for the research area and strong organisational and collaboration skills are important.

Position details

A full‑time, fixed‑term post‑doctoral researcher position for two years, in accordance with the agreement for fixed‑term employment. Prior post‑doctoral employment for more than one year in a closely related subject area with the same employer disqualifies a candidate.

Equal opportunities

Umeå University wants 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.