Call for PhD Student and Postdoctoral Researcher Positions in Molecular Biology

Umeå University, Faculty Office of Medicine

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.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

The Faculty of Medicine, which consists of 12 departments, is responsible for biomedical research and courses in the field of nursing and health care and has an extensive research and graduate education in more than 80 subjects.

The Morimoto Lab is seeking a PhD student and a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of Molecular Biology, with special interest in Immunology, Developmental Biology and Evolution.

The Morimoto Lab specializes in immunology research with a focus on evolutionary perspectives of host genome editing process during antigen receptor diversification, leveraging non-conventional model organisms. Read more at Ryo Morimoto Lab .

The lab is hosted at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, and is part of The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), the Swedish node of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. It is also embedded in the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), thus providing interaction with researchers from different research fields and access to various scientific and technical expertise.

PhD position in Medical Science with orientation towards Molecular Biology

We are looking for a PhD student in Medical Science with an orientation towards Molecular Biology and a special interest in Immunology, Developmental Biology and Evolution. The position at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University is temporary for four years to start 1 April 2025 or as agreed. 

Background and description of tasks

The PhD project involves research using invertebrate model systems to investigate the mechanisms by which potential host genome editing processes enhance antigen receptor diversity, contributing to a deeper understanding of the human immune system. The experimental work will involve a variety of advanced techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis, imaging, genomics, and single-cell transcriptomics.

 A person who is employed as a PhD student shall primarily devote his-/or herself to his/her own education. The project and research environment will give the dedicated student the opportunity to train as a first-class researcher.

Find all information and apply here. 

Postdoctoral position in evolutionary immunology

The Department of Molecular Biology seeks a postdoctor for a temporary position for two years on full time. The position is expected to start on 1 May 2025 or upon agreement.

Description of the project

The Morimoto Lab specializes in immunology research with a focus on evolutionary perspectives of antigen receptor diversification, leveraging non-conventional model organisms. This project aims to uncover the mechanisms of hematopoietic differentiation in the unique innate immune systems of invertebrate species, potentially involving physiological genome editing processes in the host. To achieve this, the research will employ a multidisciplinary approach, integrating conventional developmental biology with advanced techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9-based mutagenesis, light-sheet microscopy, genomics, and single-cell transcriptomics.

Find all information and apply here.

For more information, visit the Ryo Morimoto Lab, MIMS, Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, or UCMR.

With questions, please contact Ryo Morimoto, ryo.morimoto@umu.se

We welcome your application! 

Umeå University strives 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.