Project Leader for Laboratory Pandemic Preparedness

Uppsala Universitet · Vollzeit

Box 256, Uppsala, Schweden

Would you like to work with laboratory pandemic preparedness, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Would you like an employer that invests in sustainable employee relations and offers secure, beneficial working conditions? Welcome to apply for a position as Project Leader at Uppsala University. The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is divided into seven research programs, each 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 our work lies in biology, but our research overlaps with other areas such as medicine, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and physics. The Department has over 200 employees, including around 60 doctoral students. Please read more about our work at https://icm.uu.se. The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and SciLifeLab are seeking a Project Leader for Laboratory Pandemic Preparedness. Here you will work with laboratory pandemic preparedness at national and international levels as part of SciLifeLab Pandemic Laboratory Preparedness (PLP). The PLP program within SciLifeLab, established in 2021, is a government assignment aimed at meeting society's needs for efficient resource use, education, and dissemination of expertise and technology. The goal is to strengthen national preparedness for pandemics and, to the extent possible, other biological crises. Responsibilities As Project Leader for Laboratory Pandemic Preparedness, you will work closely with existing scientific leaders and SciLifeLab management to provide scientific and strategic leadership for the PLP strategic area. You are expected to contribute to the overall scientific direction and strategic development of the PLP program and to translate the program's overall objectives into concrete national activities. This includes developing a long-term vision ranging from infectious biology to broader societal threats requiring molecular profiling (environmental aspects, One Health approach). You will work on plans for SciLifeLab's laboratory preparedness (including SciLifeLab platforms and national nodes), represent SciLifeLab PLP in relevant scientific, governmental, and international forums, and support coordination of national PLP activities among academia, healthcare, and government actors, with the aim of strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and increasing national preparedness capacity. The work involves many contacts and parallel processes, which places high demands on independence and strategic ability. Furthermore, strong ability to create functional collaborations between actors with different mandates and to coordinate various stakeholders is required. Qualifications Required We are looking for someone with: A doctorate or equivalent in a relevant area within bioscience, medicine, or related disciplines. Expertise in areas such as translational research, diagnostics, sequencing, biobanking, or high-capacity laboratory analysis systems. Documented experience in leadership within pandemic preparedness, large-scale research or infrastructure initiatives related to diagnostics and research on infectious diseases. Documented experience leading or coordinating complex research, laboratory, or infrastructure initiatives with multiple stakeholders involved. Experience translating research and research infrastructure into practical operations, preparedness, or societal benefit. Experience in collaboration between academia and external actors such as healthcare and/or government agencies. Good understanding of Swedish structures and actor roles within pandemic preparedness, laboratory preparedness, or related preparedness areas. Excellent ability to express yourself in speech and writing in both Swedish and English. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. We are looking for someone who is organized, independent, collaborative, communicative, and analytical. Desirable/Meriting Additional Qualifications Experience working at the interface of research, healthcare, and policy work. Experience with laboratory and diagnostic documentation in accordance with standardized quality assurance systems. Experience translating scientific research into policy-related work. Prior engagement in SciLifeLab PLP activities and familiarity with Swedish preparedness structures is desirable. Experience with international collaborations or networks within pandemic preparedness, health preparedness, One Health, or related areas. Experience with European or other international initiatives on research infrastructure and preparedness. About the Position The employment is permanent (probation may apply). Part-time position at 50%. Start date by agreement. Location: Uppsala For information about the position, please contact: Professor Staffan Svärd, 070-425 05 94, [email protected] In this recruitment, we have replaced the cover letter with questions that you answer in connection with your application. Your answers will be used as part of the selection process. Welcome to submit your application by September 22, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2663. Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. 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. Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The position may be subject to security vetting. Security vetting is a prerequisite for employment, and applicants must be approved. We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance. Applications are received through Uppsala University's recruitment system. Trade union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected]