Postdoc in Molecular Microbiology and Genetics

Organisation/Company

Chalmers University of Technology

Research Field

Biological sciences » Other
Chemistry » Biochemistry
Medical sciences » Other

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Sweden

Application Deadline

9 Feb 2026 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Join us at the Division of Chemical Biology, Department of Life Sciences, and help advance knowledge in the field of microbial molecular biology. 

About us 

The Department of Life Sciences  conducts research, innovation, and education to enable a biobased society and improve human health. We explore how biological systems, and innovative technologies can be used to convert biomass into valuable products. We use advanced computational technologies to discover how biomolecules and organisms function and interact. We pioneer new methods for prediction, prevention, diagnostics and treatment of diseases. 

In the Division of Chemical Biology , we combine and develop protein engineering, synthetic chemistry, nucleic acid technology, and state-of-the-art biophysical methods to address cutting-edge questions in biology and meet medical challenges.  

About the research project  

In this research project, we are looking into microbial defense strategies against external stress, in particular antibiotics and other antimicrobials. We are investigating microbial stress responses that help bacteria and fungi to adapt to and overcome cell envelope stress and examine whether these defense systems could be exploited as accessory antimicrobial targets. The focus lies on membrane-associated proteins such as transmembrane channels, transporters, and stress signaling systems. The project requires thorough knowledge of bacterial cell biology and molecular genetics as well as hands-on experience with cloning, live-cell fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and sample preparation for sequencing and multi-omics analyses. The main model organism will be Bacillus subtilis, but other bacteria as well as fungal species including pathogenic microorganisms will be used as well.

Who we are looking for The following requirements are mandatory: 

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English 
• Experience in bacterial cell biology, live cell fluorescence imaging including image analysis, molecular genetics including hands-on cloning experience, and sample preparation for sequencing and multi-omics analyses.
• Personal competences in accordance with the requirements profile including excellent collaboration, communication, and social skills, emerging leadership skills appropriate to postdoctoral level, a high attention to detail, and a high level of self-motivation and independent work organization skills.

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education. 

The following experience will strengthen your application: 

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• A scientific mindset and the ability to semi-independently perform hypothesis-driven basic research projects with high accuracy and attention to detail, in particular with respect to study design and appropriate controls.
• Experience in working with Bacillus subtilis including cloning and strain construction, strong bioinformatics skills, and a proven track record of molecular and cell biology studies, preferably documented by publications and/or thesis work in this area.
• Experience with antibiotic research, single-molecule imaging techniques, and methods for nucleic acid analysis are an additional merit.

What you will do 

• Perform research on bacterial defense mechanisms and their importance under stress. This includes advanced bioinformatics, molecular cloning, strain construction, and phenotypic analysis using fluorescence live cell imaging, fluorescence spectroscopy, reporter assays, omics analyses, and biochemical characterization.
• Draft manuscripts, prepare and give research and outreach presentations, assist with coordinating internal and external collaborations on the research theme.
• (Co-)supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent 
• Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level 

The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector. 

Contract terms  

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension. 

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn. 

What we offer 

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits   for employees. 
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg . 
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.  

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence . We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities. 

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in. 

Application procedure 

The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. 

CV 

• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications. 
• Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience. 

Personal letter 

• A brief introduction about yourself. 
• A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes. 
• An outline of your future goals and research focus. 

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.  

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. 

We welcome your application no later than 09. February 2026 

For questions please contact: 
Michaela Wenzel
Associate Professor
wenzelm@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application! 

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***  

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. 
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward. 

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/chalmers-university-of-technology/2026/postdoc…

Research Field

Biological sciences

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Medical sciences

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Chalmers University of Technology

Country

Sweden

City

Gothenburg

Postal Code

412 58

Street

Maskingränd 2

City

Gothenburg

Website

https://www.chalmers.se/en/

Postal Code

412 58

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