Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Medical and Translational Biology
Institute:
Umeå University
Country:
Sweden
Research Field:
biology, biophysics, physiology, molecular biology, neuroscience
Posted Date:
NA
Deadline:
Feb 12, 2026
Offer Period:
2 Years
Offer Start Date:
spring 2026 or as agreed.
Postdoc Position in Sensory Mechanobiology
Project Description:
The Department of Medical and Translational Biology and the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within the project “exploring sensory physiology in non-standard vertebrate models”. The scholarship is full-time for two years with access in spring 2026 or as agreed.
- Skin is not a passive barrier; it is a sensory interface with the world. Yet many of the structures that allow vertebrates to detect mechanical stimuli remain poorly understood, especially outside mammalian models. Our recent work has provided new insight into mechanosensory corpuscles (Nikolaev et al., Sci Adv 2020; Nikolaev & Ziolkowski et al., Sci Adv 2023; Ziolkowski & Nikolaev et al., Sci Adv 2025). This is just the beginning and there is still much to be learned!
- You will lead a project that centers on how tactile end organs assemble, function, and recover after injury. You will be using non-standard animal models for this research. You will have access to a variety of techniques, such as patch-clamp electrophysiology, FIB-SEM volume imaging, tissue clearing (iDISCO), and/or single-cell sequencing.
- The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to: lead projects, design experiments, analyze data, collaborate with the team, present their research at conferences.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- Strong background in biological, biophysical, or biochemical techniques.
- Experience with ion channels, neuroscience, or developmental biology is a plus;
- It helps if the candidates have solid background in electrophysiology.
- One first-author paper in a peer-reviewed journal or in bioRxiv.
- Most importantly, we value creativity, curiosity, enthusiasm, and persistence.
To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.
- Doctoral degree should be within biology, biophysics, physiology, molecular biology, neuroscience or related field.
Preferred Qualification:
- Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior.
- If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree before that may also be eligible.
- Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- The scholarship is fully funded for two years, with the possibility of extension.
- The successful candidate will also be encouraged to apply for independent research fellowships.
Benefits:
- The postdoctoral scholarship is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW) and is affiliated with the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) at Umeå University.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
The application must contain:
- Cover letter describing your research interests, career goals and a reason why you are interested in our laboratory.
- CV with List of publications
- Contact information of 2-3 referees
- Degree certificates from doctoral studies
How to apply:
- The application should be written in English or Swedish, and attached documents should be in Word or PDF format.
- The application should be registered via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi and submitted by the deadline 2026-02-12.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
Umeå University, founded in 1965 in Sweden, is a prominent, research-intensive institution with over 37,000 students and a strong international, multicultural presence. Located in northern Sweden, it is recognized for its comprehensive, tightly-knit campus, renowned Institute of Design, and pioneering research in fields like gene technology (CRISPR-Cas9) and Arctic studies.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following postdoc research positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a postdoctoral position?
Postdoctoral positions are open to candidates who have completed a PhD or will complete their doctoral degree before the start date. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the funding scheme and host institution.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most postdoctoral positions are open to international applicants. Visa sponsorship and work permit support are usually provided by the host institution, subject to local regulations.
Is prior postdoctoral experience required?
In most cases, prior postdoctoral experience is not mandatory. However, candidates with relevant research experience beyond the PhD may be preferred for certain positions.
What is the typical duration of a postdoctoral contract?
Postdoctoral contracts typically range from six months to three years, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance.
Are teaching responsibilities included?
Teaching responsibilities vary by institution and position. Some postdoctoral roles are research-only, while others may include limited teaching or supervision duties.
Can I apply for multiple postdoctoral positions?
Yes. Candidates are encouraged to apply for multiple suitable postdoctoral positions to increase their chances of selection.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.