Staff scientist at Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy (UCEM)

Umeå University is looking for a Staff scientists for cryo-electron microscopy ( cryo-EM) and tomography. As Staff scientist you are part of an EM technical and application team working with national research infrastructures at Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy (UCEM). The position is financed by grants from SciLifeLab. The employment is for 12 months. Application deadline is 30 November 2026.
Work task
As a Staff scientist, you will provide researchers with expertise in the planning and performance of electron microscopy (EM), electron tomography and image analysis, in medical, biological, chemical, biochemical and physical research areas. You will be involved in teaching methodology courses at postgraduate level and provide user training on EM methods. Work assignments include, operation and maintenance of instruments and computer systems, as well as assisting researchers in preparation of EM samples, data collection, and image analysis. You will also act as a coordinator for ongoing facility projects and collaborations between partner microscopy facilities in Sweden and internationally. The work is planned together with the facility's other staff and is carried out independently or together with collaborators and facility users. Our working language is English.
Required knowledge
We are looking for a person with a PhD in structural biology, molecular biology, biotechnology or equal. You have extensive experience in EM data collection (TEM, SEM, Cryo-EM) and analysis. Very good computer skills with a focus on image analysis is required, for example single particle analysis (SPA) and tomography for structural biology. Great emphasis is placed on technical competence, >5 Years of experience of EM methods and image analysis.
You are independent and flexible and can take on new challenges, establish new methods and participate in several different projects in parallel. It is important that you have good collaborative skills, open to receive and pass on expert knowledge, as well as good communication skills. You should be able to express yourself in English in speech and writing.
Merit
Experience of different types of electron microscopes, instrument handling is a merit. A well-established international network in EM and earlier international collaborations around research infrastructure is highly valued.
High motivation to work with research infrastructure and service functions. You can take initiatives, be creative, have a service minded attitude towards the facility work, to help facility users and research groups with research projects and to achieve results.

Application

The application should include a personal letter with motivation for why you are applying for the position, references to research projects, CV, degree certificate including doctoral degree, other relevant certificates and grades as well as names and contact information to at least two reference persons.
The deadline for applications is
30 November 2026.
You apply via our e-recruitment system, please use the link at the bottom of this page.

Terms of employment

The employment is full-time and is limited to 12 months. Starting date as soon as possible or by agreement.
Further information can be obtained from UCEM coordinator Linda Sandblad, tel: 0709324936 or e-mail: linda.sandblad@umu.se