Assistant Professor in Data-driven cell and molecular biology

Employer: SciLifeLab

Location: Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg (Stad), Sweden (SE)

Salary: Monthly salary

Closing date: Apr 17, 2026

Discipline: Life Sciences, Cell Biology, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology

Position Type: Full Time

Job Type: Faculty, Group Leader/Principal Investigator

Organization Type: Academia

Job Details

Referensnummer REF 2026-0054

Chalmers University of Technology is host for a well-funded tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Data Driven Cell and Molecular Biology, in a vibrant, international, and outward-looking work environment located in the lively city of Gothenburg on the west-coast of Sweden. The position is funded by the fellowship scheme of the Wallenberg National Program for Data Driven Life Science (DDLS).

About the DDLS Fellows program

Data-driven life science (DDLS) uses data, computational methods and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes at all levels, from molecular structures and cellular processes to human health and global ecosystems. The SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS), coordinated by SciLifeLab, aims to recruit and train the next-generation of data-driven life scientists and to create globally leading computational and data science capabilities in Sweden. The program is funded with a total of 3.3 billion SEK (about 350 MUSD) over 12 years from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg (KAW) Foundation.

The DDLS program funds 50 high-profile young group leaders (“Fellows”), over 210 postdoctoral positions and has established a research school for 260 PhDs, including industry PhDs and postdocs. Fellows are recruited to the 11 participating host universities/organizations, but brought together under the DDLS program, which has four strategic areas: cell and molecular biology, evolution and biodiversity, precision medicine and diagnostics, epidemiology and biology of infection. For more information, please see www.scilifelab.se/data-driven.

During 2022-2024, the first and second round of 39 Fellows joined and now we are looking to recruit an additional group of 11 Fellows. Each DDLS Fellow will receive a recruitment package of 17 MSEK (about 1.6 MUSD) for a 5-year period, covering their own salary and other resources, such as salaries for PhD students and postdoc positions. The Fellowships are tenure-track positions with the host organizations, which assume the responsibility for the long-term faculty appointments following a tenure evaluation.

The future of life science is data-driven. Will you be leading the change with us? Then join us in this unique program!

About the Scientific Area of the position

Data driven cell and molecular biology covers research that fundamentally transforms our knowledge about how cells function by peering into their molecular components in time and space, from single molecules to native tissue environments. The applicant is expected to have a strong computational focus on innovative development and application of novel data-driven methods relying on machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other computational techniques.

The applicant is expected to develop and apply data-driven and machine learning-based methods. Special priority will be given to candidates that study cellular and molecular processes using high-dimensional biological data such as single-cell or spatial omics, structural data, advanced microscopy, multi-modal datasets or candidates that focus on molecular structures, particularly in connection with computational/digital chemistry, AI and analytical chemistry.

The research could address fundamental questions of molecular mechanisms, network and cell function, regulation and organization, with possible applications in precision health and microbial ecology.

The research could also address advanced data-driven and machine-learning approaches for the analysis and integration of complex neural and movement data, supporting new insights into the mechanisms underlying human motor control and rehabilitation.

About the Departments

The recruited candidate will join one of the following departments:

The Department of Life Sciences
The Department of Life Sciences conducts research, innovation, and education to enable a biobased society and improve human health. We investigate how biological systems and innovative technologies can transform biomass into valuable products. Using advanced computational approaches, we study biomolecular function and interactions, and develop new methods for disease prediction, diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

Our research creates impact in two focus areas: human health and planetary health. The Life Sciences department is already hosting two very successful DDLS fellows; one in the field of antimicrobial resistance and bacterial interactions within microbiomes (Bengtsson-Palme Lab | Chalmers) and another focusing on precision nutrition and nutrition epidemiology (C Wittenbecher).

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering pushes the knowledge of chemistry and chemical engineering forward in a broad field of research and education. We offer an international environment, with scientific areas ranging from fundamental chemistry, health and medical technology, materials science, renewable energy, to chemical engineering processing, material recycling, nuclear chemistry, theory and modelling.

The Department of Electrical Engineering
At the department of Electrical Engineering research and education are performed in the areas of Communications, Antennas and Optical Networks, Systems and Control, Signal processing and Biomedical engineering, and Electric Power Engineering. We work with sustainable and smart solutions to societal challenges, such as energy efficiency and electrification in areas ranging from transport and production systems to communication solutions and biomedical engineering.

Major responsibilities

The successful candidate will conduct research in line with the intentions described in their application. We want you to complement rather than duplicate our existing competences, and that you have an ambition to create synergies between our existing research groups.

As an Assistant Professor, you will contribute with:
– Active engagement in research, developing a distinct line of research through independent research projects.
– Active participation in education.
– Supervising undergraduate and graduate students.
– Applying for external research funding.
– Participating in joint departmental and university-wide activities.
– Seeking international collaborations on a high scientific level.
– Collaborating with research groups within and outside of Chalmers.

Qualifications

You hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field, obtained within seven years before the application deadline.* Exceptions to the seven-year eligibility limit may be made for documented circumstances such as parental leave or military service.

You have demonstrated independent, high-quality research and potential to build a competitive research program. You also show interest in teaching and educational development.

• Experience in attracting or applying for research funding.
• Ability to build national and international networks.
• Pedagogical interest and potential.
• Commitment to sustainable development and academic citizenship.

Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Chalmers offers Swedish language courses.

* The date shown in your doctoral degree certificate is the date we use, as this is the date you have met all requirements for the doctoral degree.

Contract terms

The appointment is part of the Tenure Track system at Chalmers, and the assistant professor may apply for promotion to tenured associate professor. You will strengthen your research and teaching qualifications through practice and professional development, including pedagogical training.

Note that the DDLS research funding for the position is available for up to five years, independently of when the candidate is promoted to Associate Professor.

What we offer

Chalmers provides a dynamic and inspiring environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg, combining academic excellence with a strong commitment to sustainability, equality, and collaboration.

At Chalmers we seek to establish a good work/life balance. We want to provide you with the means to pick the best path possible in your pursuit of making a difference. Our ambitions in this area are reflected in the generous employment conditions, including:
● holiday allowance of up to 7 weeks per year
● a collective agreement including parental pay, sick pay supplement, and medicine costs
● a wellness allowance towards activities promoting good health
● flexible working conditions

Read more about Sweden’s extensive social welfare system here - Move to Gothenburg

Although most of our work is in English, Chalmers offers courses in the Swedish language to help you settle in.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our diversity. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure

Submit your application in English through our recruitment portal. All files should be in PDF format (max 40 MB each; ZIP files not supported).

Personal letter: *(Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)*
One page where you:
- Introduce yourself
- Describe your motivation for applying to this position and what attracts you about Chalmers
- Describe how you support your colleagues and bring about a good working environment
- Include names and full contact information of two references that we can contact

CV: *(Please name the document as: CV, Family name, Ref. number)*
- Your CV (please see the CV guidelines).
- Include a list of publications.

Research and teaching statement: *(Please name the document as: Research statement, Family name, Ref. number)*
One to three pages where you:
- Describe your previous research and teaching experience and focus
- State your future research and teaching goals and focus
- Describe how you complement our existing competences and how you could create synergies between our existing research groups

Required documents:
- Certificate or Diploma verifying your doctoral degree
- Verification of leave, if relevant
- Documents verifying awards and recognitions stated in your CV, leadership or teaching activities, etc, and other documents relevant to support your application
- Copies of a maximum of five relevant publications that cannot be accessed via your ORCID, Scopus ID or ResearcherID, if relevant.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 17 April 2026

For questions, please contact the most appropriate person for your inquiry:

Maria Faresjö: maria.faresjo@chalmers.se, Department of Life Sciences

Hanna Härelind: hanna.harelind@chalmers.se, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Ragne Emardson: ragne.emardson@chalmers.se, Department of Electrical Engineering

Simon Olsson: simonols@chalmers.se, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, DDLS reference member, and Deputy Director of Area of Advance Health Engineering