Summary
The Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University is offering a two-year postdoctoral scholarship focusing on the molecular mechanisms of MLL1-driven leukaemia. This is a full-time position for studies, commencing January 1, 2027, or by agreement. The project will investigate how MLL1 and its oncogenic fusions contribute to leukaemia, aiming to understand the molecular links to oncogenic transformation and epigenetic regulation.
Designation
Postdoctoral Fellow
Research Area
Molecular Mechanisms of MLL1-driven Leukaemia, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Epigenetics, Gene Regulation.
Location
Umeå, Sweden
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications:
- A doctorate or an equivalent foreign qualification in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or related fields at the time of recruitment. This must be met by the scholarship decision date.
- Priority given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application closing date. Special circumstances (e.g., illness, parental leave) may be considered for degrees obtained earlier.
- Very good communication skills, both oral and written, in English.
- Ability to interact in a team, high intrinsic motivation, and capacity for independent research.
- Very good working knowledge of standard molecular biology, recombinant DNA techniques, and mammalian cell culture.
Highly Valued Qualifications:
- Demonstrated expertise in gene regulation, epigenetics, or biochemistry.
- Ability to present findings orally or in writing in a concise and accessible manner.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive culture and positive work environment, effective communication across differences, collaborative spirit, respect, compassion, and empathy.
Job Description
The successful candidate will join the molecular epigenetics (Yuri Schwartz) lab within the Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University. The lab is a dynamic and multidisciplinary research environment focused on regulatory mechanisms that enable cells to retain their identity, utilizing Drosophila and human cell culture models, genomics, genetics, and numerical simulations.
Project Goals:
- Address molecular mechanisms linking MLL1 to oncogenic transformation.
- Investigate if MLL1 acts by limiting epigenetic repression of developmental genes, similar to its Drosophila ortholog.
- Determine if oncogenic fusions perturb epigenetic repression of alternative gene expression programs.
- Ascertain if MLL1 methyltransferase activity is critical for its oncogenic function and identify relevant substrates.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via Umeå University’s Varbi system.
Required Application Documents (in English or Swedish):
- Cover letter (max. 1 page): Clearly describe your research experience, motivation, and how your expertise matches the requirements.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV, max. 2 pages) and publication list (max. 5 pages).
- Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate: Or documentation clarifying when the doctoral degree is expected.
- Contact information of three references.
For more information, visit the Yuri Schwartz research group page: https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/yuri-schwartz. For questions, contact Yuri Schwartz at yuri.schwartz@umu.se.
Last Date for Apply
November 16, 2026
Apply Link
The application system is typically accessed via the original job posting on the university’s website. Please refer to the source URL for the direct application portal: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/postdoctoral-scholarships/postdoctoral-fellowship-2-years-in-molecular-mechanisms-of-mll1-driven-leukaemia-at-umea-university_961443/
