Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 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.

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 Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden MIMS is looking for an excellent young researcher to become Group Leader for innovative research in molecular infection medicine. The topic includes but is not limited to research on the biology of bacteria, viruses, parasites and the microbiome and how these interact with the immune system of the host.

We seek a talented early career researcher who has already produced excellent research work with relevance to molecular infectious medicine, is ready to work independently and shows potential to be a research leader.

MIMS intends to recruit a new Group Leader (Researcher) to start in the coming year. Funding is first allocated for a five-year period, with the option of extension up to a total of nine years conditional upon a successful external evaluation in the fourth year.

Tasks

The tasks include primarily leading and conducting research in molecular infection medicine within the MIMS research environment. The research tasks also include seeking external funds for funding one's own research. Conducting education at postgraduate level in the subject area may be included.

Qualification requirements

To qualify as a Group Leader the applicant must have completed a doctorate or have a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Candidates should have undergone post-doctoral training and education in relevant research area.

Assessment criteria

As a basis for assessment when hiring a Group Leader, the degree of such skill that is a requirement for eligibility for employment shall apply is scientific skills. Evidence of the ability to lead and train a team of researchers will also be assessed.

Application

You apply via our e-recruitment system which you can reach via the application button below. Last application date is 15/09/2026.

The application should include the following:

1. An introductory letter summarizing the applicant's career, previous research experience of relevance for molecular infection medicine, and the motivation for future research career plans (1-2 pages),
2. CV with a list of all scientific publications (with the five most important marked),
3. A copy of the doctoral degree certificate,
4. A short research plan (5 pages maximum) with a summary of expected results and importance in translational and molecular infection medicine research.
5. Names and contact details for three references.

For more information, please contact MIMS Director, Professor Oliver Billker: oliver.billker@umu.se, +46 90 785 67 78