Researcher

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.

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 315 employees and approximately 450 million SEK in total assets.

The research group specializes in advancing the diagnosis and mechanistic understanding of central nervous system (CNS) tumours through epigenetic approaches. The group focuses on DNA methylation profiling and cancer stem cell models derived from patient tumour tissue, integrating state-of-the-art experimental and bioinformatic methodologies to improve diagnostics and develop prognostic tools. Collaborations with Sahlgrenska University Hospital pathologists, neurosurgeons, and oncologists underpin the group’s strong translational research mission.

Duties

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to contribute to experimental and analytical projects in CNS tumour epigenetics. The position involves both hands-on laboratory work and computational analysis, with the overall aim of refining tumour classification and identifying epigenetic drivers of tumorigenesis.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning and execution of experiments in DNA methylation analysis and nanopore sequencing, including laboratory methods, data analysis, and integration of results into diagnostic and mechanistic studies.
• Handling and processing of patient-derived biological materials, such as tumor tissue, single-cell preparations, and blood samples.
• Culture and maintenance of primary cells, including cancer stem cell populations derived from CNS tumors.
• Use of a broad range of molecular biology and cell biology techniques to support the group’s experimental work.
• Contributing to bioinformatic analysis pipelines and/or independent research projects.
• Administrative responsibility for the group’s daily operations, including procurement, coordination of practical workflows, and oversight of the group’s ongoing operational needs.
• Supervision of students and/or junior colleagues as needed.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Documented expertise in methylation arrays and nanopore sequencing, encompassing both experimental and computational workflows.
• Proven experience with patient-derived materials, including tumour tissue, single-cell preparations, and peripheral blood.
• Strong background in primary cell culture, with particular experience in handling patient-derived cells.
• Excellent written and spoken English, along with the ability to work effectively in an international research environment. Proficiency in Swedish is also required, as the role entails collaboration and regular interaction with clinicians.

Meriting qualifications

• Research experience related to central nervous system tumours.
• Familiarity with cancer stem cell biology, epigenetic profiling, or translational diagnostic development.
• Experience collaborating with clinical units or working within translational research models.

Employment

The employment is full time and permanent with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. Probationary employment could be applied. First day of employment as agreed.

Contact information for the post

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Helena Carén.

Phone: +46 31 786 3838. E-mail: helena.caren@gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives

Application

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. 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.

Applications must be received by: 2026-05-19

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.