Position of Research Assistant in Zoology

The Department of Zoology is one of the departments of the Faculty of Science and has approximately 80 employees, including researchers, doctoral students and administrative staff. Research and education at the department takes place in an international environment and focuses on animal biology. Outstanding and high-quality research is conducted in a range of different subjects, including animal behavior, evolutionary biology, ecology, genomics and conservation biology.

SciLifeLab is a leading Swedish national research infrastructure dedicated to advanced molecular biosciences, with a focus on health and environmental research. In Stockholm, SciLifeLab is located on Campus Solna, where research groups from Stockholm University, the Royal Institute of Technology and Karolinska Institutet conduct internationally leading research in the life sciences.

More information about us can be found at: Department of Zoology .

Job duties

The position is affiliated with Mafalda Sousa Ferreira’s research group at the Department of Zoology. The main focus of this position is to produce and analyze UMI-4C data from fibroblast cell lines for functional validation of pigmentation genes in non-model species, specifically hares. The group also conducts research on the genetic basis of adaptation in other systems, including the ptarmigan, and ongoing research is producing large-scale whole-genome data for these animals.

We are looking for a candidate with a Master’s degree in molecular biology, biotechnology or a related field. The successful candidate will:

• Perform laboratory work including mammalian cell culture, UMI-4C experiments, and whole-genome library preparation, as well as all other steps associated with these protocols.
• Contribute to the analysis of other genomic datasets, potentially including long-read (nanopore) sequencing or transcriptomics data.
• Work independently and also collaborate within an international research environment.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• A master’s degree in molecular biology, biotechnology or a related field, completed in connection with or shortly before employment.
• Previous experience in cell culture of mammalian cell lines.
• Previous experience with the UMI-4C protocol.
• General experience in all steps of molecular work related to genomic library preparations.
• Experience in genomic data analysis and working in a high-performance computing (HPC) environment, including tools for sequence alignment, genome assembly, or population genetics.

Meritorious qualifications:

• Experience in research on mammalian pigmentation, including seasonal color change.
• Knowledge of nanopore sequencing or transcriptomics data analysis.
• Knowledge of transposable element biology or repeat annotation.

In the employment process, special emphasis will be placed on documented research expertise within the relevant areas described above.

About the employment

The employment is limited to 4 months, with the possibility of extension, full-time (100%). The starting date is the end of May/beginning of June 2026, by agreement. The place of employment is SciLifeLab, Solna. Stockholm University applies individual salary setting.

We offer

With us you get the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

Contact

Further information is available from Mafalda Sousa Ferreira, mafalda.ferreira@zoologi.su.se .

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university by the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: applying for a job .

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