Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) stands as Sweden's national center for molecular biosciences, a strategic initiative funded by the Swedish government and hosted by four top universities: Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University, and Uppsala University. Established in 2010, SciLifeLab has grown into a world-leading hub for life sciences research, particularly in genomics, proteomics, and advanced imaging. Located primarily in Stockholms län with facilities in Solna and Uppsala, it supports over 2,000 researchers with cutting-edge infrastructure. Jobs at SciLifeLab attract global talent due to its collaborative environment and access to state-of-the-art platforms like high-throughput sequencing and mass spectrometry.
The center's mission is to drive innovation in molecular biosciences, contributing to breakthroughs in precision medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science. With a focus on translational research, SciLifeLab bridges academia and industry, making it an ideal place for careers in cutting-edge science. Explore research jobs or postdoc opportunities to see how they fit.
SciLifeLab emerged from the need for Sweden to maintain leadership in life sciences amid rapid technological advances. Launched as a pilot in 2010, it received full national center status in 2013 with €1.5 billion in funding over 10 years. Today, it hosts 12 technology platforms and Data Centre, serving thousands of users annually. Its mission emphasizes open access to infrastructure, fostering collaborations that have led to thousands of publications and startups.
The history reflects Sweden's commitment to science, building on Nobel Prize-winning legacies at Karolinska Institutet. Key milestones include developing COVID-19 sequencing during the pandemic and leading EU consortia. This foundation makes jobs at SciLifeLab pivotal for advancing national and global health research.
SciLifeLab's research spans genomics (DNA/RNA sequencing), proteomics (protein analysis), metabolomics (small molecules), and bioimaging (microscopy). Platforms like SNP&SEQ Technology Platform process millions of reads daily, while the Chemical Biology Consortium designs novel probes. Bioinformatics support integrates data with AI for predictive modeling.
Jobs often align with these platforms, such as bioinformatician roles analyzing single-cell data or engineers maintaining cryo-EM instruments. For insights on postdoctoral success, see our guide.
Careers range from PhD studentships to senior scientists. Common roles include:
View university job types for full details. Salaries average 45,000-60,000 SEK/month for postdocs, competitive in Europe.
Research roles demand a PhD (or equivalent) in molecular biology, bioinformatics, chemistry, or physics. PhD students need master's degrees. Leadership positions require 5+ years post-PhD.
Expertise in high-throughput tech, CRISPR editing, or multi-omics integration is essential. Sweden's focus on sustainable biotech favors green chemistry skills.
Publications (10+ in Q1 journals), grant success (e.g., VR funding), and international collaborations preferred. Experience with EU projects like Horizon Europe is a plus.
Technical: Python/R, NGS analysis, flow cytometry. Soft skills: teamwork, communication, project management. Fluency in English; Swedish beneficial for admin roles.
Applications go through SciLifeLab's portal or host universities. Submit CV, cover letter, publications list, references. Process: screening (2 weeks), interviews (technical + seminar), offer (1-2 months).
Tips:
SciLifeLab champions diversity via 'Diversity and Equality Plan', targeting 50% women in leadership. Initiatives include mentorship for underrepresented minorities, bias training, and family-friendly policies. International Postdoc Program recruits globally, with 40% non-Swedish staff. Partnerships with WiSTEM promote women in STEM.
Swedish model offers 480 days parental leave, 25 vacation days, flextime. Solna campus features gyms, saunas, forests for runs. Uppsala site has lakeside views. Social clubs, seminars, and fika culture foster community. Commute via public transport; bike-friendly.
SciLifeLab offers transformative jobs in life sciences. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job. With Sweden's innovation ecosystem, careers here advance global science.
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