Postdoctoral position in virus-initiated membrane remodelling

Umeå University; Sweden; On-site; SEK 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Umeå University in Sweden is offering a full-time fixed-term position for a postdoctoral researcher in virology. The role involves investigating the mechanisms by which viruses create membrane-enclosed spaces for genome replication, with responsibilities including cell culture, model design, and advanced microscopy techniques.

The ideal candidate should hold a doctorate in cell biology or virology, possess strong skills in fluorescence microscopy, and have a solid background in biochemistry. The application is due by August 1st, 2026.

Qualifications

• Extensive practical experience in real-time fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Practical experience in cloning, protein and lipid biochemistry, and work with viruses.
• Good knowledge of both written and spoken English.

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.
• Conducting lipid and protein biochemistry.
• Performing advanced live cell fluorescence microscopy including TIRF and SIM.
• Establishing analysis workflows for image analysis.
• Conducting correlative light and electron microscopy analysis.

Skills

Real time fluorescence microscopy

Quantitative image analysis

Cloning

Protein biochemistry

Lipid biochemistry

Work with viruses

Electron microscopy

Education

Doctorate in cell biology or virology

Job description

Description of the project

The project aims at mechanistic understanding of how viruses create small membrane-enclosed spaces in host cells to replicate their genome. Such virus replication organelles are critical in the infection process of both flaviviruses and alphaviruses. The focus here is to resolve how specific lipid species and membrane properties contribute to formation of replication organelles. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to explore your research project in a scientific environment including several research groups with extensive experience in virology, biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology and imaging. Both the Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy, and the Biochemical Imaging Centre Umeå as well as other Umeå University facilities will be accessible as part of this project. For more information see (https://lundmark-lab.se/)

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 analysis workflow of image analysis
• Correlative light and electron microscopy analysis

Eligibility

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in cell biology or virology is eligible for appointment as postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time at which the appointment decision is made.

Applicants should have extensive practical experience of real time fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis. Furthermore, applicants should have practical experience of cloning and protein and lipid biochemistry as well as work with viruses. Applicants must have documented good knowledge of both written and spoken English and must be able to conduct independent scientific work and write scientific works.

Additional useful qualifications

Since appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is a career-development position for junior researchers, we are primarily interested in applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an applicant who has completed their degree earlier than that may be considered. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointments of trust for a trade union organisation or other similar circumstances, and for relevant duties/assignments within the subject area.

It is advantageous if the applicant has a background of working with lipid membranes, membrane associated proteins or membrane remodelling processes. Experience in electron microscopy is also advantageous. In the selection process emphasis will also be placed on a genuine enthusiasm for the research area and methodology, personal suitability, organisational skills, and ability to work collaboratively with other lab members, facility staff and users.

More information about the position

The appointment is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years in accordance with the terms of agreement for fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher. A prerequisite for the application of the agreement is that the employee has not previously been employed as a postdoctoral researcher under the agreement for more than one year within the same or a closely related subject area with the same employer.

Application

The application must include:

• A brief description of your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in the position
• CV
• List of publications
• Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees
• Contact details of two reference persons

The application must be written in English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi (https://umu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:936617/)and must be received latest August 1st, 2026.