Postdoctoral fellowship (2 years) to study proteins that maintain mitochondrial DNA
Medicinska fakulteten, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics
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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 is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within the project "Signaling of mitochondrial DNA instability". The scholarship is full-time for two years with access by agreement. A 2-year postdoctoral fellowship is available to study proteins that guarantee mitochondrial DNA stability in eukaryotes. The research will be carried out at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics that offers a stimulating, collegial and international research environment.
Research description
Mitochondria are organelles that produce cellular energy in the form of ATP, and defects in mitochondrial function can lead to a number of diseases including mitochondrial disorders and certain cancers. Mitochondria contain several copies of a double-stranded DNA genome, mtDNA, that encodes for core components of the energy-producing machinery. The mtDNA-encoded subunits are essential for efficient energy production, whereby it is crucial that mtDNA is maintained intact. Despite the clear importance of intact mtDNA for human health, not all the protein factors that contribute to its maintenance are currently known.
In order to better understand disease states involving mtDNA defects, we are working to elucidate how our cells normally ensure the stable maintenance of mtDNA and how mtDNA defects are communicated to the rest of the cell. The aim of this project is to identify novel proteins that bind mtDNA upon specific stress conditions and to characterize their contributions to the stability of this small but indispensable genome. These questions will be addressed using a combination of cell and molecular biology methods and in vitro biochemistry assays based on purified recombinant proteins.
Qualifications
The post-doctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or a related discipline. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.
Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree before that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
We are seeking highly motivated applicants with practical experience in cell and molecular biological studies of mitochondria, mitochondrial proteins and/or DNA-binding proteins. The candidate is expected to have a strong track record in a relevant field of research, documented by first authorships in peer-reviewed original publications of high quality. Previous experience in the fields of mitochondrial biology and/or DNA metabolism is a strong merit. An ability to take initiative and to function both independently and as part of an international team are required. Good oral and written communication skills in English are essential.
For further information on this project, please see the lab website at https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/paulina-wanrooij/ or contact Paulina Wanrooij at paulina.wanrooij@umu.se.
The application
The application should include:
- a cover letter describing your scientific background and goals for this post-doctoral period (max. one A4 page),
- a CV including a full publication list,
- a copy of the PhD certificate (or proof of a scheduled PhD defence within the near future),
- names and contact information of three reference persons, including information on their relation to the applicant.
The application should be written in English or Swedish, and attached documents should be in Word or PDF format. The application should be registered via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi and submitted by the deadline 28 november 2025.
We look forward to receiving your application!
| First day of employment | Enligt överenskommelse |
|---|---|
| Salary | Stipendium |
| Full-time equivalent | 100 |
| City | Umeå |
| County | Västerbottens län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference number | FS 2.1.6-1983-25 |
| Published | 20.Oct.2025 |
| Last application date | 28.Nov.2025 |