Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) in muscle biology

The Department of medical and translational biology is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within the field of muscle biology using the zebrafish model system. The scholarship, funded by Kempe fundation is full-time for two years with access may 2026 or by agreement.

Departmental specific information

The research group led by Jonas von Hofsten (https://www.umu.se/en/staff/jonas-von-hofsten/) conducts innovative and multidisciplinary research at the intersection of molecular biology, developmental biology and genetics. The team uses cutting-edge molecular techniques and zebrafish genetics tools and is focused on various aspects of muscle biology, including development, cancer, regeneration and muscular dystrophies.

Project description

Muscular dystrophies are genetic disorders characterized by progressive muscle degeneration, yet different muscle groups are affected to varying degrees. This project explores a novel therapeutic concept: that the regenerative fate of muscle stem cells (satellite cells) can be guided by anatomical and environmental signals to generate muscle fibers that are more resistant to disease. Using a unique collection of genetically engineered zebrafish models, including CRISPR/Cas9 mutants and advanced multicolor lineage-tracing tools, the project combines genomics, live imaging, and in vivo regeneration assays to uncover how satellite cell identity is established and how it can be reprogrammed during muscle repair.

The ultimate goal is to develop new strategies for treating muscular dystrophies by directing muscle regeneration toward disease-resistant fiber types. The project offers a highly interdisciplinary environment at the interface of developmental biology, stem cell biology, genetics, and regenerative medicine, with strong translational relevance.

The selected candidate will be expected to contribute to ongoing projects and will be encouraged to actively develop new lines of research in the field. This will include zebrafish strain generation and maintenance, in vivo analyses of specific proteins affect muscle regeneration, structural integrity and resistance to degenerative changes with the ultimate goal of generating novel therapeutic strategies for muscular dystrophies and other muscle related disorders.

The position further offers opportunities to apply a range of molecular techniques, including RNA and protein analysis, reporter assays, immunostaining and various aspects of zebrafish genetics. In addition, the scholarship holder will manage with advanced microscopy to visualize muscle cell architecture and dynamics and engage in data analysis. 

Qualifications

To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the candidate is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. 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 prior. 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 organisations, military service or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area. 

The candidate must have a PhD in a relevant area such as muscle biology, developmental biology, molecular biology or related discipline or equivalent and should have profound experience in molecular biology and preferably have experience in zebrafish research.

The ideal candidate is technically skilled and will have a strong background in molecular genetics, including gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9, RNA and protein analysis, immunohistochemistry, whole mount techniques and confocal imaging. Familiarity with omics data analysis, such as transcriptomics and proteomics, will be a bonus.

The successful candidate must be proficient in spoken and written English, with demonstrated experience in scientific writing and publication. We are looking for someone who is collaborative, well organized and capable of contributing to ongoing projects while also developing new research directions within the lab. Personal suitability and the ability to cooperate/operate  effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment is important.

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 2026-02-16.

1. A brief cover letter (about one page) that describes the applicant’s research experience, research interests, and suitability for the project.

2. Curriculum vitae including information about academic degrees (with verifications), technical expertise, employments, list of publications, and names and contact information for two references.

For more information, contact Jonas von Hofsten, Jonas.von.hofsten@umu.se Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden

We look forward to receiving your application!