Postdoctoral fellowship (2 years) to study mitochondrial DNA stability

The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University, Sweden, invites applicants for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship to study proteins that guarantee mitochondrial DNA stability in eukaryotes. The research will be carried out at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, which offers a stimulating, collegial and international research environment; read more here . The fellowship is expected to start during fall of 2025 or according to agreement. Application deadline is May 18th, 2025.

Research description

Mitochondria are organelles that produce cellular energy in the form of ATP, and defects in mitochondrial function can lead to a number of diseases, including mitochondrial disorders and certain cancers. Mitochondria contain several copies of a double-stranded DNA genome, mtDNA, that encodes for core components of the energy-producing machinery. The mtDNA-encoded subunits are essential for efficient energy production, whereby it is crucial that mtDNA is maintained intact. Moreover, mitochondrial status must respond to the metabolic needs of the cell and be signalled to the nucleus and other organelles.

In order to better understand disease states involving mitochondrial dysfunction, we are working to elucidate how our cells normally ensure the stable maintenance of mtDNA and how mtDNA defects are communicated to the rest of the cell. The aim of this project is to characterize the molecular mechanisms that promote mtDNA stability and investigate the consequences of mtDNA defects in terms of retrograde signalling to the rest of the cell. These questions will primarily be addressed using in vitro biochemistry assays based on purified recombinant proteins, and/or through cell and molecular biology techniques in human cells.

Qualifications

The candidate should hold, or be about to be awarded, a PhD degree or equivalent in biochemistry, cell or molecular biology, genetics or a related discipline. We are seeking highly motivated applicants with practical experience in the expression, purification and functional analysis of recombinant proteins, or alternatively in cell and molecular biological studies of mitochondria. The candidate is expected to have a strong track record in a relevant field of research, documented by first authorship in peer-reviewed original publications. Previous experience in the fields of mitochondrial DNA metabolism and/or retrograde signalling is a strong merit. An ability to take initiative and to function both independently and as part of an international team is required. Good oral and written communication skills in English are essential.

For further information on this project, please see the lab website here or contact Paulina Wanrooij at paulina.wanrooij@umu.se .

The application

The application should be written in English and include:

• a cover letter describing your scientific background and goals for this post-doctoral period (max. one A4 page),
• a CV including a full publication list,
• a copy of the PhD certificate (or proof of a scheduled PhD defence within the near future),
• names and contact information of three reference persons.

The application must be written in Swedish or English and submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi (https://umustipendie.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:819372/where:4/ ) on May 18th, 2025, at the latest.

We welcome your application!