Postdoctoral fellowship (scholarship) in mucosal B cell immunology at the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå university

Post doctor within mucosal B cell immunology  

“The Department of  Clinical Microbiology is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within the project of studying mucosal B cell and antibody response. The scholarship is full-time (2 years) with access early to mid 2026 or by agreement.”   

Departmental specific information

The Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University conducts internationally recognized research and education in immunity, host–microbe interactions, and microbial pathogenesis. Research spans both cellular and molecular aspects of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as immune regulation of these processes. The department comprises approximately 30 active research groups with diverse scientific profiles.

The postdoctoral project is part of a larger collaborative and interactive initiative involving Umeå University, Karolinska Institute, the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), and Linköping University.

Project description  

The Forsell research group at the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, is seeking a postdoctoral fellow for a two-year position to join a collaborative research initiative studying mucosal B cell and antibody responses. The position is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

The mechanisms governing the induction of long-lasting immune memory in mucosal tissues are not fully understood. In this project, the successful candidate will utilize access to several well-characterized longitudinal clinical cohorts to perform repertoire analyses of memory B cells and antibodies from multiple compartments and time points. The overall goal is to determine whether mucosal immune responses are seeded from systemic or local immune compartments, with a particular focus on IgA.

The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to: 

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be an integral member of a dynamic and ambitious research group with a strong focus on genetic, molecular, and functional analyses of B cell and antibody responses. The project will include laboratory-based research, extensive data analysis, manuscript preparation for publication, and project coordination in close collaboration with national and international research partners. The position also provides opportunities to gain teaching experience, particularly in immunology and hematology.

Qualifications  

Applicants must have obtained a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree, in immunology, virology, vaccinology, or a related field. This requirement must be fulfilled no later than the time of the recruitment decision. Applicants should have excellent written and spoken English skills, as well as strong knowledge of basic immunological methods. Practical experience and methodological expertise in immune repertoire sequencing (VDJ) and/or RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) are highly desirable. Experience with cell sorting using flow cytometry is also considered an advantage.

Application 

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 xx xx xxxx. 

Please apply at with the following documents:

1. Letter highlighting your qualification and motivation
2. CV including publication list
3. Copy of PhD certificate, and other relevant exam certificates
4. Contact information of 2 references

Fellowship summary

Full-time, two-year tax-free stipend. Tentative start: early to mid-2026.

For further information, please contact:

Mattias Forsell, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Sweden
mattias.forsell@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!