Postdoctoral Position in Microbiology
University of Gothenburg
Sweden

Reference number: PAR 2026/140


About the University

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.


About the Institute of Biomedicine

The Institute of Biomedicine is involved in both research and education. In both of these areas, we focus on fundamental knowledge of the living cell – what it consists of, how it works, how its function is directed by the genetic material, and how it interacts with various kinds of micro-organisms. Using this knowledge, we try to elucidate the causes of diseases, and find new ways to diagnose and treat them.

The Institute is composed of the following four departments:

  • The Department of Infectious Diseases

  • The Department of Microbiology and Immunology

  • The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology

  • The Department of Laboratory Medicine

At present, the institute has about 360 employees and approximately 450 million SEK in total assets.


Position Description

We are currently seeking a highly talented, innovative and results-driven person for a postdoctoral position Structure and function of membrane proteins in native systems in the Johansson laboratory at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine at the Göteborg University, Sweden.

In our group, we pursue ambitious strategies to determine membrane protein structures directly in their native environment, for example from neuronal vesicles, avoiding detergent-based approaches that can compromise structural and functional integrity. By integrating state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and advanced biochemical methods, we are developing new experimental workflows for native membrane protein structure determination.


Subject Area

Structure and function of membrane proteins in native systems


Subject Area Description

Membrane proteins such as transporters and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are central to cellular signaling and represent some of the most important targets in modern drug discovery. Yet, resolving their structures in physiologically relevant states remains a key frontier in structural biology.


Duties

The research will focus on the development of new methods for structure determination in native systems, such as neuronal vesicles. Duties include protein design and modeling, cloning, expression in insect and mammalian cells, and purification followed by structure determination with cryo-EM and subsequent data analysis.

The candidate will also apply biochemical analysis methods (for example, APEX and proteomics). The candidate is expected to work independently and contribute to project planning. The candidate is also expected, in collaboration with other group members, to produce scientific publications, analyze data and present these results at scientific conferences.

The candidate is expected to travel, both within and outside Europe for data collection at various research stations. In addition, the candidate is expected to contribute to the laboratory's other activities, as well as, if necessary, supervise students at both master's and doctoral level.


Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made.

In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.


Assessment Criteria

This postdoctoral position is designed for an independent and highly motivated scientist who is eager to drive method development while applying it to biologically and medically relevant systems. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the project, contributing intellectually to experimental design, and advancing cutting-edge structural biology research with clear relevance to neuroscience and drug discovery.

We are looking for a candidate with an interest in protein design and structural biology. The applicant must have a PhD in a relevant area of research such as medicine/biology/chemistry/pharmacology or related fields (for example structural biology, biochemistry or biophysics).

The successful candidate should have extensive experience in structural biology (preferably cryo-EM), along with experience in cell cultivation (preferably eukaryotic cells), as well as in protein purification. The applicant is expected to have published several articles in well-established, reputable scientific journals.

Great emphasis will be placed on the candidate’s personal suitability for the position and interest in the subject area as well as their long-term research goals. The work involves close collaborations with other researchers and thus demands flexibility and a willingness to travel for data collection purposes.

Excellent communication skills (spoken and written) in English are a prerequisite for the position.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3–4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.


Employment

The employment is full time and temporary, two years with the possibility of one year's extension, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.


Selection Process

Help for applicants.


Contact Information

If you have any questions about the position, please contact:


Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande


Application

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

The application should contain:

  • A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying

  • A CV including a list of publications

  • Proof of completed PhD

  • Contact details of two references

Applications must be received by: 2026-04-04


Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.


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