Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Medical and Translational Biology
Institute:
Umea University
Country:
Sweden
Research Field:
biology, biophysics, physiology, molecular biology, neuroscience
Posted Date:
NA
Deadline:
Mar 25, 2026
Offer Period:
2 Years
Offer Start Date:
spring 2026
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Doctoral degree should be within biology, biophysics, physiology, molecular biology, neuroscience or related field.
Preferred Qualification:
- Experience with ion channels, neuroscience, or developmental biology is a plus;
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.
- The scholarship is full-time for two years with access in spring 2026 or as agreed.
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:
- 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 2026-03-25.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
Established in 1965, Umeå University is the premier institution of higher education in northern Sweden and is consistently ranked among the world’s top young universities. Located in the "City of Birches," its campus is designed with a cohesive, "American-style" layout where most faculties and research centers are within walking distance, fostering a dynamic and open culture. The university is globally recognized for the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which earned its researchers a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. With over 37,000 students and a strong international presence, the university excels in fields like Industrial Design, Arctic Research, and Life Sciences. Its Umeå Institute of Design is world-renowned, often topping global rankings for its creative excellence. Beyond academics, the campus houses IKSU Sport, one of Europe's largest indoor sports facilities, contributing to its reputation as a national sports university. Consistently high scores in the International Student Barometer highlight its exceptional student satisfaction and support, making it a top choice for global learners. Notable alumni include former Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven.
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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.