Postdoctoral Fellowship (2 year scholarship) in Computational and Clinical Genomics with a focus on Myocarditis

Postdoctoral fellowship (2 years) within the research group of Anne Tuiskunen Bäck at Umeå University. 

“The Department of  Clinical Microbiology is offering a postdoctoral scholarship in Computational and Clinical Genomics with a focus on Myocarditis. The scholarship is full-time for two years with access between September and November 2025 or by agreement.”   

Departmental specific information 

The research group of Anne Tuiskunen Bäck at Umeå University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow for a two-year fellowship in applied clinical genomics. The project focuses on novel diagnostic and risk assessment strategies for myocarditis, emphasizing genetic factors, metagenomics and novel biomarkers.

Project description  

Our research group investigates the role of viruses in human disease, particularly through metagenomics. We specialize in next-generation sequencing (NGS) of clinical samples to understand the impact of viruses on human health.

Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, is primarily caused by viral infections in the Western world. However, it remains unclear why some individuals develop myocarditis while others do not. Additionally, the progression from acute myocarditis to chronic cardiomyopathy and heart failure is not well understood.

Our research group has launched a translational study on myocarditis and is recruiting new team members to focus on human genetics. Using clinical samples, we aim to characterize patient exomes to identify genetic traits associated with myocarditis and its long-term complications. Other aspects of the project include profiling the virome, investigating immunological and metabolomic responses in acute myocarditis, and correlate findings with novel biomarkers based on microRNA for disease progression and severity. The postdoctoral fellow will develop their own research line and expand their skills at the intersection of human genetics, virology and cardiology.

The postdoctoral fellow will take a leading role in the genetic and metagenomic components of the project. This includes project design, data generation, analyses, and interpretation. Responsibilities may be tailored based on expertise but could include:

• Conducting whole-exome sequencing of clinical samples, including library preparation and sequencing execution.
• Analyzing and interpreting whole-exome sequencing data to identify pathogenic variants relevant to cardiovascular diseases.
• Performing bioinformatics analyses, including variant annotation, filtration, and prioritization.
• Collaborating with clinicians and researchers to integrate genetic findings with clinical data.
• Contributing to scientific group meetings, collaborations, and publications.
• Supervising students and junior researchers.
• Complying with the Umeå University’s Equal Opportunities and Data Protection policies.

The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to: 

This project integrates cardiology, virology and state-of-the-art genomics and bioinformatics, providing a dynamic, cross-disciplinary research environment at Umeå University.

Our research is based on a clinical cohort and biobank of myocarditis patients, conducted in close collaboration with the Umeå University Hospital Heart Centre, Pediatric Clinic, and Centre for Cardiovascular Genetics. This allows for patient-specific phenotyping and genotyping, providing a unique opportunity to contextualize genomic and molecular findings in myocarditis. Our approach bridges molecular and clinical medicine, focusing on translational genetics and precision medicine.

Additionally, the group leader is affiliated with the Swedish EMBL node for Molecular Infection Medicine (MIMS) and the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), offering excellent opportunities for career development and networking in an international research environment. As a postdoctoral fellow, you will contribute to high-impact research at the intersection of cardiovascular genetics and clinical virology.

This postdoctoral position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the crossroads of human genetics, microbiology, and cardiology. If you're passionate about genomic medicine, translational research, and precision medicine, we encourage you to apply!

Qualifications  

We seek a highly motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher with expertise in the intersection of bioinformatics, human genetics and NGS. You will collaborate closely with molecular biologists, clinicians, PhD students, and bioinformaticians. Your responsibilities will be varied, depending on expertise and project needs.

Key qualifications:

• Strong experience in whole-exome sequencing, including library preparation, quality control and data analysis.
• Expertise in common disease genetics and statistical genetics, including genetic variant interpretation.
• Computational proficiency in bioinformatics tools and programming (e.g., Python, R), pipeline development, and data management.
• Experience with variant annotation tools (e.g., GATK, ANNOVAR, ClinVar) and computational methods for genomic analysis.
• Experience working with clinical samples and integrating genomic findings with patient data is highly advantageous. 

Selection criteria

Essential:

• PhD degree in genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, biomedicine, molecular biology, or a related field, with a focus on human genomics or clinical genetics.
• Significant experience in human genetics, clinical genomics, and/or bioinformatics, particularly in whole-exome sequencing.
• Strong interest in genetic cardiology, translational molecular medicine, and precision medicine.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality results within deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently and take a leading role in managing project progress.
• Personal suitability for the group will be a strong selection criterion.

Desirable:

• Experience in cardiovascular genetics, including bioinformatics or clinical genetic interpretation of cardiovascular diseases is particularly meriting.

Application 

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter highlighting qualifications and motivation
2. CV, including publication list
3. Copy of PhD certificate, and relevant degree certificates
4. Contact details for two references

Send you application, marked with reference number FS 2.1.6-267-25 to medel@diarie.umu.se and anne.tuiskunen@umu.se (mention reference number in the subject line), or by post to Umeå University, Registrator, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden.

Application deadline: 2025-03-25.

Further information 

Anne Tuiskunen Bäck, Department of Clinical Microbiology, e-mail: anne.tuiskunen@umu.se