Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular Mechanisms of MLL1-Driven Leukaemia at Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

Umeå University (Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology) is offering a two-year full-time postdoctoral scholarship in Medical Science in Umeå, Sweden. The application deadline is 16 November 2026. Qualification: a doctorate in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or related fields.

Job Details

Company: Umeå University (Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology)

Job Title: Postdoctoral fellowship (2 years) in molecular mechanisms of MLL1-driven leukaemia

Place of Work: Umeå, Sweden

Duration: Two-year, full-time

Start Date: 1 January 2027 or by agreement

Application Deadline: 16 November 2026

Type of Employment: Scholarship

Job ID: 961443

Contact: Yuri Schwartz, [email protected]

Project Details

Chromosomal rearrangements of the human MLL1 gene are associated with de novo and therapy-induced paediatric and adult acute leukaemia, an unmet clinical need. Commonly such rearrangements are balanced translocations that fuse MLL1 with another gene. Studies of the last two decades revealed that MLL1 is a histone methyltransferase and that some of its oncogenic fusions are chromatin-associated proteins, yet molecular mechanisms linking MLL1 to oncogenic transformation remain unclear.

The project asks:

  • whether MLL1, like its better-studied Drosophila ortholog, acts by limiting epigenetic repression of developmental genes;
  • whether oncogenic fusions perturb epigenetic repression of alternative gene-expression programs;
  • whether MLL1 methyltransferase activity is critical for its oncogenic function and what the relevant substrates are.

Addressing these questions is the main aim of the project.

Job Description

The molecular epigenetics (Yuri Schwartz) lab in the Department of Molecular Biology is a multidisciplinary research environment focused on regulatory mechanisms that enable cells to retain their identity. The lab employs Drosophila and human cell-culture models, genomics, genetics and numerical simulations to understand molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation by the Polycomb and Trithorax group proteins.

Eligibility Criteria

  • A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed equivalent to a doctorate in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or related fields at the time of recruitment qualifies as a postdoctoral fellow. This eligibility must be met at the latest when the decision on the scholarship recipient is made.
  • Upon equal qualification, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date.
  • Candidates who completed their degree more than three years before the closing date may be considered if special circumstances exist (illness, parental leave, clinical practice, trade-union appointments of trust or similar).

Required Skills

  • Very good oral and written English communication skills, because of international collaboration partners.
  • Ability to interact in a team.
  • High intrinsic motivation.
  • Ability to structure research independently.
  • Working knowledge of standard molecular biology, recombinant DNA techniques and mammalian cell culture.

Particularly qualifying: Demonstrated expertise in gene regulation, epigenetics or biochemistry.

Plus: Ability to present findings orally or in writing in a concise accessible manner.

Documents Required

Application via Varbi must be received by 16 November 2026 and contain (English or Swedish):

  • Cover letter (max 1 page) describing research experience, motivation and fit
  • CV (max 2 pages)
  • Publication list (max 5 pages)
  • Verified doctoral-degree certificate or documentation clarifying when the doctorate is expected
  • Contact information for three references

How to Apply

Apply via the Varbi stipend portal. The application must be received by 16 November 2026.

Additional Information

Inclusive-culture expectations (collaborative spirit, respect, openness, work–life balance) are stated on the notice.

More information: https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/yuri-schwartz

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Applications close on 16 November 2026 via Varbi.