About this role
Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest institutions of higher education, with over 37,000 students and approximately 4,700 employees. The university offers a diverse range of high-quality programs and world-leading research across several scientific fields, and it is here that the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool was made, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close at hand. Our cohesive campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.
The societal transformation and significant green investments we are witnessing in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, this means conducting research about – and within – a transforming society. It also involves delivering education for regions that need to expand rapidly and sustainably. Simply put, this is where the future is created.
Are you interested in learning more? https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/om-universitetet-som-arbetsplats/
The Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest faculties at Umeå University and attracts many students with a comprehensive range of programs in medicine, dentistry, health, and care. We offer a well-developed research infrastructure and an inspiring, dynamic environment with leading research. Our close collaboration with the four regions of the Northern Healthcare Region is seen as a significant mutual asset for developing research and education and ensuring the availability of our future healthcare workforce.
At the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, we conduct research and teach across nine different subject areas in close collaboration with the four Norrland regions. We have internationally recognized research environments where the breadth of subject areas enables innovation and collaboration across borders. Most of our researchers and teachers work clinically, and our facilities are located at the regional hospitals in Östersund, Sunderbyn, Sundsvall, and Umeå - right in the midst of the operations.
We are seeking a staff scientist for a permanent position with an employment rate of 20%.
Project Description and Responsibilities
In your role as a staff scientist, you will work within a translational immuno-oncology project focused on therapeutic vaccination against cancer using an RNA-based delivery system. The hypothesis is that T cell-mediated cancer-specific immunity can be induced through the use of neoantigens enriched on extrachromosomal DNA molecules. You will work on identifying neoantigens and developing personalized RNA-based cancer vaccines. A number of ex-vivo and in-vivo model systems will be used to verify the immunogenicity and protective potential of candidate vaccines. Read more about the research (Jonas Nilsson lab (umu.se)).
Your role in the project will involve both independently driving work and collaborating with other research groups within the university and with other groups at various institutions. The applicant is expected to independently set up experiments, analyze, and report results both in writing and in presentations.
Other administrative tasks may also be included.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who has obtained a PhD in experimental oncology. You should also have knowledge and experience in immunology and in setting up animal experiments and analyzing results from an immuno-oncological context. Furthermore, work experience with in vitro translation of RNA for vaccine production is a requirement for being considered for the position. You also have specific experience in translational research related to therapeutic cancer immunotherapies. Since communication within the department and workgroup occurs in both Swedish and English, we expect you to have a good ability to express yourself in both languages, both orally and in writing.
We are looking for someone with strong communication and administrative skills, as the project involves many different parties. A strong scientific drive is expected. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.
Application
Your application should include a CV, a cover letter, and degree certificates, and must be submitted no later than December 7, 2025.
We warmly welcome your application!
Here you can read more about the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention: https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-diagnostik-och-intervention/
Umeå University aims to provide an equal and equitable environment where open conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.
To staffing and recruitment agencies and to salespeople: We kindly but firmly request no direct contact with staffing and recruitment agencies or salespeople for additional job advertisements.