Assistant Professor in Biology
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Organization: Uppsala University, Faculty of Science and Technology (three departments: Cell and Molecular Biology, Ecology and Genetics, or Organismal Biology)
Contract Type: Fixed-term for up to 6 years, full-time, with possibility of promotion to permanent Associate Professor position
Main Description:
Uppsala University conducts world-leading research in biology, spanning from the smallest building blocks of life to planetary perspectives. The university offers a unique interdisciplinary research environment, specialized and well-functioning infrastructures, competitive funding, and excellent conditions for establishing a new research group.
The host department provides a start-up package that covers:
- The researcher's own salary for a five-year period
- The salary of 1-2 doctoral students or postdoctoral researchers
- Resources to support the establishment of the research group
The successful candidate will be placed in one of three departments:
Department of Cell and Molecular Biology: Conducts successful interdisciplinary research on molecular structure, function and evolution. The research focuses on understanding how living organisms operate at the cellular level. The department has seven research programs: Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biophysics, Molecular Evolution, Molecular Systems Biology, and Structural Biology.
Department of Ecology and Genetics: Conducts leading research on ecological and evolutionary processes at all levels of organization, from molecules to ecosystems. Seeks candidates broadly within ecology, evolutionary biology or conservation biology, working with animals or plants as model systems. Current research activities include molecular evolution, population genetics, adaptation, biotic interactions, the evolution of life-histories, speciation, mating systems, sexual selection, as well as community and macro-ecology. Access to advanced national and local research infrastructure, including supercomputing, technologies in molecular biosciences, and microscopy at SciLifeLab.
Department of Organismal Biology: Offers an international and dynamic research environment with strong research in evolutionary biology, systematics and biodiversity, developmental biology, and environmental physiology. Work with both model and non-model organisms, as well as fossils, to investigate evolutionary questions. The department hosts the VR Excellence Centre for the Human Past, SciLifeLab's Ancient DNA facility, the Tomography Support Centre and the Competence Centre for Hidden Biodiversity.
Departmental placement will be determined during the appointment process. Applicants will indicate one or more preferred departments as part of their application.
Requirements:
- PhD in a subject relevant to biological research questions (preference given to applicants who completed their PhD no more than seven years before the deadline)
- Research expertise in biology, independent scientific profile (publications without PhD supervisor, own research funding), and international recognition (invited speaker at international conferences, reviewer of others' research)
- Main employment and research activities outside Sweden for at least four years immediately prior to the application deadline (shorter stays in Sweden of maximum 12 months total may be accepted)
- Clear, ambitious, and feasible research plan
- Documented ability to successfully compete for and secure external research funding
- Documented skills and expertise in productive research collaborations and in successfully leading projects
- Teaching expertise, with particular weight to teaching qualifications in biology
- At least five weeks of teacher training for higher education or equivalent knowledge (may be completed during first two years of employment if exceptional grounds)
- Documented ability to teach in Swedish or English
- Ability to work with other people and meet the demands of suitability required to perform the duties
Benefits/Conditions:
- Start-up package covering researcher's salary for 5 years plus 1-2 doctoral students or postdoctoral researchers
- Access to specialized and well-functioning research infrastructures
- Possibility to apply for promotion to Associate Professor during appointment
- If requirements are met and suitability confirmed, promotion to permanent Associate Professor position
- Comprehensive social benefits including generous family-focused policies, healthcare, childcare, and children's education (highly affordable)
- Swedish language courses for international staff
- Support for families through Uppsala International Citizen hub
- Leadership development and scientific/educational development support
- Patent and innovation support
Desirable qualifications:
- Established independent research group
- Publications in prominent scientific journals (Science, Nature, Cell, PNAS)
- Awarded larger research grants in competition (starting grant for at least 3 years)
- PhD and postdoctoral experience from internationally leading university/research institute
How to Apply:
Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system by 11 March 2026.
Reference number: UFV-PA 2026/118
For more information about the position, contact: Mattias Jakobsson Phone: +46701679757 Email: mattias.jakobsson@ebc.uu.se
Application link: https://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/jobs-and-vacancies/job-details?query=893394
Additional information:
- For assessment criteria, see the Appointment Regulations for Uppsala University and the Faculty of Science and Technology's Guidelines for the Appointment and Promotion of Teachers
- Parental leave, part-time work due to childcare, trade union responsibilities, military service or similar activities are treated as work experience and should be listed in the CV
- The position may be subject to security vetting
- More about working at Uppsala University: https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/
