Research Infrastructure Specialist in cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET)

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is divided into seven research programs focusing on different areas within cell and molecular biology: computational biology and bioinformatics, microbiology and immunology, molecular biology, molecular biophysics, molecular evolution, molecular systems biology, and structural biology. The scientific foundation of what we do lies within biology, but our research overlaps with other fields such as medicine, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and physics. The department has over 200 employees, including around 60 doctoral students.

The position is linked to Uppsala University's Cryo-EM facility, which is an independent, department-wide research infrastructure, led by Dr. Sundborger Lunna and Dr. Marcia, and open to researchers at all of Uppsala University and external users. The position will contribute to the development of cryo-ET at Uppsala University and facilitate its application within a wide spectrum of research projects. The work will, among other things, support the newly established centers for molecular dynamics and infection biology, two interdisciplinary initiatives that bring together expertise and infrastructure for studies of biological systems' structure, dynamics, and function, respectively, and mechanisms for antimicrobial drug resistance.

The successful candidate will work closely with researchers from various scientific disciplines and contribute expertise in cryo-ET, while also participating in the continued development of methods, workflows, and infrastructure. The position offers good opportunities to participate in research collaborations, develop new cryo-ET methods and, depending on the candidate's interests and expertise, conduct independent research and method development.

Tasks

The main task of the position is to enable and develop research with cryo-ET at Uppsala University and within the Center for Molecular Dynamics.

The tasks include:

• Supporting researchers in the planning and implementation of cryo-ET experiments, from experimental design and sample preparation to data collection, data processing, and interpretation.
• Developing, implementing, and optimizing workflows for sample preparation, data collection, and data processing within cryo-ET.
• Supporting and training users in cryo-ET methods as well as associated instrumentation and software.
• Contributing to the establishment, operation, and continued development of infrastructure for cryo-ET and associated workflows at Uppsala University.
• Collaborating with researchers from different disciplines to identify how cryo-ET can best be used to answer their scientific questions.
• Contributing to method development in areas relevant to cryo-ET as well as structural and cell biology.
• Establishing and maintaining documentation, protocols, and best practices to ensure robust and reproducible workflows.
• Participating in research collaborations and, where appropriate, contributing to scientific publications.
• There is an opportunity to conduct independent research and method development within the framework of the facility's overall scientific goals.

Qualification requirements

The applicant shall have:

• A doctoral degree in structural biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biophysics, biochemistry, or another relevant field.
• Practical experience in cryo-ET, including sample preparation, data collection, and data processing.
• A strong interest in developing and applying cryo-ET methods to biological research questions.
• The ability to work independently and take responsibility for the development and maintenance of experimental and computational workflows.
• Very good ability to collaborate with researchers from different scientific backgrounds.
• Good communication skills and the ability to explain complex methods and concepts to users with different experience levels.
• Very good proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Since the position involves extensive contact and collaboration with researchers and users of the facility, particular emphasis will be placed on scientific curiosity, problem-solving skills, service orientation, initiative, and the ability to work constructively in an interdisciplinary environment.

Other desirable/merit qualifications

The following experiences are particularly meritorious:

• Experience in cryo-correlated light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM).
• Experience in sub-tomogram averaging and/or advanced workflows for image analysis within cryo-ET.
• Experience with commonly used software and computational workflows for cryo-ET.
• Experience in developing or implementing new methods within cryo-EM/cryo-ET.
• Experience working in research infrastructure, a core facility, or another research environment with extensive collaborations.
• Experience in training and supporting researchers in advanced microscopy methods.

About the employment

The employment is permanent (a probationary period may apply). The extent is 100%. Start date by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

Information about the employment is provided by: Anna Sundborger-Lunna, anna-sundborger-lunna@icm.uu.se or Marco Marcia, marco.marcia@icm.uu.se.

In this recruitment, we have replaced the personal letter with questions that you will answer in connection with your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process.

Welcome with your application no later than October 19, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2769.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

The employment may be subject to security clearance. In the case of security clearance, approval of the applicant is a prerequisite for employment.

We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - saco-s@uu.se, Seko - seko@uadm.uu.se, ST (OFR/S) - ofr@uu.se