Umeå Postdoc Scholarship is a two-year postdoctoral opportunity in bacterial genetics, cell-wall biology and infectious-disease research based at Umeå University. The scholarship targets researchers with a recent PhD in medical or life sciences to join the Cava Lab and investigate genetic mechanisms controlling bacterial cell-wall formation and remodeling.
The position is hosted by the Department of Molecular Biology and the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) at Umeå University. The selected researcher will work full-time within the Cava Lab on projects linking fundamental microbiology and clinically relevant infection research, with a start date of 1 November 2026 or by agreement.
Umeå Postdoc Scholarship Benefits
- Tax-free scholarship stipend
- Full-time postdoctoral research opportunity
- 2-year scholarship
- Research experience at Umeå University, Sweden
Umeå Postdoc Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- This opportunity is best suited to early-career researchers with a PhD in medical sciences, life sciences or an equivalent discipline
- Applicants must have completed their doctorate, or satisfy the doctoral qualification requirement by the time the scholarship recipient is formally selected
- Priority is given to researchers who obtained their PhD within three years before the application deadline
- Earlier graduates may still be considered where justified by circumstances such as parental leave, illness, military service or similar career interruptions
- Experience in molecular biology and bacterial genetics
- Microscopy experience, particularly involving Alphaproteobacteria
- Knowledge of cell-wall biology and peptidoglycan recycling
- Good written and spoken English
- Ability to conduct research independently
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
- Experience with protein purification or biochemical analysis of bacterial cell walls is considered an advantage
Required Documents
- A full application should include:
- Cover letter describing research experience, interests and motivation.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
- Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
- Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.
- Contact information to two persons willing to act as references.
How to Apply for Umeå Postdoc Scholarship
- Applications must be submitted through Umeå University’s Varbi e-recruitment system
- Cover Letter Research experience, interests and motivation
- CV Academic CV including publication list
- PhD Evidence Verified doctoral certificate or proof of expected completion
- Additional Evidence Any documents supporting your qualifications
- References Contact information for two referees
- Applications may be written in English or Swedish, while supporting documents should be uploaded in Word or PDF format
- Before applying, tailor the cover letter specifically to bacterial genetics, microscopy, cell-wall biology and the Cava Lab’s research direction
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Umeå Postdoc Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for the two-year postdoctoral position at Umeå University.
What is the deadline to apply for the Umeå Postdoc Scholarship?
The application deadline for the Umeå University Postdoctoral Scholarship in Bacterial Genetics is September 8, 2026 at 21:59 UTC. Applicants should ensure all required documents are submitted through the Varbi e-recruitment system before this date and time.
Who is eligible to apply for this postdoctoral position?
This opportunity is for early-career researchers with a PhD in medical sciences, life sciences or an equivalent discipline. Applicants must have completed their doctorate or satisfy the doctoral qualification requirement by the time the scholarship recipient is formally selected.
What research field does the scholarship focus on?
The scholarship focuses on bacterial genetics, cell-wall biology and infectious-disease research. The selected researcher will join the Cava Lab to investigate genetic mechanisms controlling bacterial cell-wall formation and remodeling.
What documents are required when applying?
Applicants should submit a cover letter detailing research experience and motivation, an academic CV including a publication list, verified PhD evidence or proof of expected completion, any additional supporting documents, and contact information for two referees.
How should I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted through Umeå University’s Varbi e-recruitment system. Supporting documents should be uploaded in Word or PDF format, and applications may be written in English or Swedish.
When does the position start?
The advertised start date for the position is November 1, 2026 or by agreement. Exact start dates may be arranged by agreement between the selected researcher and the host department.
Is prior microscopy experience required?
Microscopy experience, particularly involving Alphaproteobacteria, is listed among the desirable qualifications. Strong candidates are expected to have relevant microscopy experience along with molecular biology and bacterial genetics skills.
Are there preferences regarding when the PhD was awarded?
Priority is given to researchers who obtained their PhD within three years before the application deadline. Earlier graduates may still be considered if justified by circumstances such as parental leave, illness, military service or similar career interruptions.
Will the researcher work full-time and how is progress assessed?
The scholarship is full-time for two years, and progress will be assessed through a midterm review. The project is designed to bridge fundamental microbiology and clinically relevant infection research.
Is experience with protein purification advantageous?
Yes. Experience with protein purification or biochemical analysis of bacterial cell walls is considered an advantage and may strengthen an applicant’s candidacy for the position.
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