Postdoc in Computational Molecular Programming, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

Position Summary

The Högberg lab at Karolinska Institutet is seeking one or two exceptional, computationally-minded researchers to help turn DNA and RNA into a programming language. This interdisciplinary role operates at the interface of computation and molecular biology, offering candidates the opportunity to build algorithms, models, and software to program matter at the molecular scale and potentially shape their own research directions.

Postdoc in Computational Molecular Programming, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

Key Details

Research Areas

Developing algorithms, software, and models for DNA nanotechnology, artificial molecular networks, and robust DNA data storage.

Depending on your specific interests, potential research directions include:

• DNA Nanotechnology & Structural Design: Developing algorithms and models to design and simulate self-assembling DNA nanostructures and molecular machines.
• Molecular Networks & Tissue Imaging: Turning artificial molecular networks into images to reconstruct cellular positions from sequencing data (“imaging without a microscope”).
• DNA Data Storage: Encoding, storing, retrieving, and error-correcting digital information in DNA, making molecular operations like random access, editing, and deletion robust.
• Adaptive Molecular Devices: Creating molecular systems that sense their environment, make decisions, and act when specific conditions are met.

Job Description

As a Postdoc in the Högberg lab, you will join a highly interdisciplinary team of physicists, biologists, chemists, and engineers. Supported by strong continuous funding (including an ERC Advanced Grant) and world-class infrastructure through SciLifeLab, you will:

• Think computationally to build algorithms, simulations, or software that solve real scientific problems.
• Bridge fields across molecular biology, physics, and mathematics.
• Collaborate across the bench and the keyboard to advance molecular systems bioengineering.
• Have the academic freedom to define and lead your own creative research questions.

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• A doctoral degree (PhD) or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree.
  • Note: The degree must be fulfilled at the latest by the time the employment decision is made. Candidates whose dissertations are planned for the near future may also apply.

Preferred Profile:

• A PhD background in Physics, Computer Science, Computational/Systems Biology, Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related quantitative field.
• It is considered an advantage if you completed your doctoral degree within the last three years.
• Strong computational thinking and a passion for building software tools, models, or simulations.
• Useful (but not required) skills: Programming proficiency (e.g., Python, Julia, C++, R); experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data, geometry/graph algorithms, statistical inference, machine learning, information theory/error-correcting codes, molecular modeling, or hands-on molecular biology.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Varbi recruitment system by clicking the “Login and apply” link on the official portal.

Your application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

1. Personal Letter (PDF, max 1 page): Must include contact information for at least two references and a brief explanation of your relationship to each. Optional but encouraged: Add a few sentences on a specific problem or idea you would love to pursue.
2. CV (PDF): Must include the date and title of your thesis defense, previous positions, education, distinctions, a complete list of publications, and a summary of your previous/current work (maximum of 1 page).

Important Dates

• Published Date: July 8, 2026
• Last Date to Apply: September 6, 2026 (Continuous evaluation is applied, so early application is highly encouraged).

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