Project: Numerous pathogens have the ability to invade human cells, exploiting their interior as a growth niche. While human cells have robust defense mechanisms that can limit the growth of these invaders, suc­cessful pathogens evolved to counteract these defenses. A deep understanding of the molec­ular basis of this arms race could pave the way for the development of innovative therapeutics. Motivated by this vision, we employ a comprehensive array of genetic, cell biological, biochemical, omics, and microscopic techniques to unravel how the obligate intra­cellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis evades host cell-autonomous immunity. In line with this, we are currently in search of a postdoctoral researcher, who will join our team and explore the role of Chlamydia’s interactions with host cellular organelles and membrane trafficking processes in the subversion of host cellular im­mune signaling.

Environment: The Sixt Lab at Umeå University (situated in Umeå, Sweden) offers a multicultural and multidisci­plinary research environment. Our research group is part of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), the Swedish node of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, and the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR). This affiliation provides a stimulating, collaborative, and highly inter­national environment with excellent access to state-of-the art research facilities. The Umeå PostDoc Society and the National Doctoral Programme in Infection and Antibiotics (NDPIA) offer postdocs outstanding opportunities for training, career devel­opment, and social networking. The city Umeå itself combines a rich cultural life with excep­tional closeness to nature and is particularly welcoming to internationals.

Qualifications: Eligible candidates hold a university degree equivalent to a European University PhD degree in molecular biology, cell biology, or infection biology (or related fields). Preference will be given to applicants who received their degree no more than three years before the end of the application period unless special circumstances exist. To be considered for the project, candidates must have documented practical experience in molecular biology techniques, microscopy, and mammalian cell culture. Prior experience in conducting and analyzing infections with intracellular bacterial pathogens is highly desirable, as is ex­perience in studying host cell organelles, membrane trafficking, and/or immune signaling. We seek candidates who are passionate about science, ready to tackle scientific challenges, and dedicated to conducting top-quality research. Proficiency in written and spoken English is expected, along with the ability to work collaboratively within a team, mentor junior team members, and independently develop and drive a research project.

Project duration: 2 years (with possibility for further prolongation depending on satisfactory performance and availability of funding) 

Starting date: preferentially summer/fall 2024 (early start preferred)

Application: Candidates are welcome to send an application to the principal investigator, Barbara Sixt  (barbara.sixt@umu.se). Applications should include (as a single combined PDF file in English): 1) a letter of moti­vation describing the applicant’s specific motivation and relevant qualifications, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a publi­cation list (also briefly describing the applicant’s contribution to each publication) and 4) names and e-mail ad­dresses of two or more references (with stated professional relationship to the applicant).

Application deadline May 31, 2024 (application may close earlier, as soon as a suitable candidate was found).

To find out more about the labs and research environment, visit the following websites:

• The Sixt Lab: http://www.sixtlab.org/
• Umeå University: http://www.umu.se/en/
• Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR): http://www.ucmr.umu.se
• The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS): http://www.mims.umu.se/
• Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine: https://projects.au.dk/nordic-embl-partnership/
• Umeå PostDoc Society: https://umeapostdocsociety.se/
• NDPIA: https://ndpia.se/