Postdoctoral fellowship in Molecular Biology with focus on Quadruplex DNA structures

Medicinska fakulteten, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 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. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read 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 Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University, Sweden, invites applicants for a two-year Postdoctoral fellowship in Molecular Biology with focus on Quadruplex DNA structures. The fellowship is expected to start in 2025-08-15 or according to agreement. Application deadline is May 5th, 2025.  

In addition to the classical double-helix, DNA can fold into unique four-stranded structures called G-quadruplexes (G4) and intercalated motifs (i-motifs; iM). G4s arise in guanine-rich single-stranded regions, while iMs form in complementary cytosine-rich sequences. These intricate structures are thought to function as critical protein-binding sites, influencing essential processes such as transcription, replication, telomere stability, and DNA repair.

The research group study the biological functions of quadruplex DNA structures in the genome by using a variety of biochemical, biophysical, imaging, and molecular biology methods, and have access to outstanding state-of-the art facilities. The current project concerns quadruplex structures in yeast genome, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, to understand their regulatory roles in health and disease. 

Please see our lab page for more details about our recent research Quadruplex Dynamics and Biochemistry Lab

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate within biochemistry, cell- and molecular biology, or related discipline, is eligible for appointment as postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.  

You should have gained experience in DNA/RNA-based cellular mechanisms. Experience within the field of Quadruplex structures is advantageous as well as in CRISPR/Cas9 genetic engineering. Previous work with yeast or another unicellular organism, as well as high throughput screening is also advantageous. Additionally, you should have experience in method development, and various molecular biology and biochemical analysis techniques. You should also have a strong research track record, as evidenced by first authorship publications in relevant research area.

Candidates must be fluent in spoken and written English and highly motivated. Candidates are expected to pursue and plan research independently, but also to function in a team. Excellent communication skills are required for interacting effectively with colleagues and peers, including colleagues from complementary research fields. 

The application must include: 

• A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the fellowship, how you can contribute to the project and in which direction you may want to develop it (no more than 2 A4 pages).
• A curriculum vitae that documents academic education and past and previous employments.
• A brief description of your previous research experience outlining methodologies and research questions (no more than 1 page).
• A list with your publications (describe also your contributions for each paper with no more than four sentences).
• A copy of the PhD certificate and other relevant degree certificates.
• Names and contact details with e-mail addresses of two or three academic references. 

The application must be written in Swedish or English, and submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi at latest May 5th, 2025.  

Contact the Head of Lab Nasim Sabouri for more information, nasim.sabouri@umu.se 

We welcome your application!