The Postdoctoral Scholarship in Mathematical Modelling of Endosymbioses at Umeå University offers a full-time research position for two years within the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. The scholarship is part of the project “Relationship history: gains and losses of endosymbiosis” and is financed by the Kempe Foundation (JCSMK261-0049). The successful candidate will be based at the interdisciplinary research centre IceLab and will work under the supervision of project leader Eric Libby.

Overview

Endosymbiotic relationships have driven the evolution of complex life, including all animals, plants, and fungi. Recent research shows that these relationships are dynamic: they can form and dissolve repeatedly over evolutionary time. This project uses mathematical modelling—featuring dynamical systems and metabolic models—to investigate what determines whether endosymbiotic relationships persist or collapse. The answers have important implications for understanding evolution and how species adapt to changing environments, particularly for organisms such as insects and corals that depend on endosymbioses for survival.

The postdoctoral fellow will join an active research team studying microbial evolution through mathematical models and will be hosted by the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics at IceLab, a research centre of excellence.

Funding and Benefits

The scholarship is tax-free and amounts to SEK 750,000 for two years (SEK 375,000 per year). The position is full-time (100%) with a start date of 1 November 2026 or by agreement. The scholarship is administered by the Kempe Foundation.

Eligibility

Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree (or a foreign degree deemed equivalent) no later than the time of the decision about the scholarship recipient. Priority is given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years prior to the application deadline, unless special reasons apply (e.g., illness, parental leave, trade union appointments, military service, or clinical practice).

The doctoral degree must be in mathematical biology, evolutionary biology, or applied mathematics—or provide equivalent academic competence. Oral and written proficiency in English is required, as are skills in a numerical programming language such as MATLAB, Python, or Julia.

Desired qualifications include experience applying mathematical models (e.g., dynamical systems or metabolic models) to biological systems, documented knowledge of endosymbiosis, evolution, or microbiology, and a successful record of collaboration on interdisciplinary research projects.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi and include the following documents:

• Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing the candidate’s interest in the scholarship and how their research experience fits the project
• Curriculum vitae (CV) with a publication list
• Verified copy of the doctoral degree certificate (or documentation clarifying when the degree will be obtained)
• Verified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades
• Copy of the doctoral thesis and up to one relevant article
• Any additional documents the applicant wishes to include
• Contact information for two referees

The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish, and attached documents must be in Word or PDF format.

Deadline and Timeline

• Publication date: 8 June 2026
• Last application date: 30 August 2026
• First day of employment: 1 November 2026 or by agreement

Contact Information

For further details, contact Associate Professor Eric Libby at eric.libby@umu.se.

More information about the department is available at: https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-mathematics-and-mathematical-statistics/