Exciting Postdoc Opportunities Europe in Bacterial Infections, Sports Science, Photosynthetic Research, and Diabetes Research

© BioCareersHub, 2025. All rights reserved

Hey there, science enthusiasts! If you’re a recent PhD grad dreaming of diving into groundbreaking research, a postdoctoral position might be your next big step. Postdoc life is all about pushing the boundaries of knowledge, gaining new skills, and building a network that can shape your career. Whether you’re passionate about biology, sports science, or sustainable tech, we’ve got some amazing opportunities to share. These roles offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and a chance to live in vibrant cities while making a real impact. Ready to explore? Let’s dive into these exciting postdoc positions across the globe, and don’t forget to check out BioCareersHub for more career tips and updates follow them for the latest in science career advice!

Postdoc in Human Bacterial Infections at University of Basel

The Biozentrum at the University of Basel, a global leader in life sciences research, is offering two postdoctoral positions in the Bumann Lab to explore human bacterial infections. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic, international research community dedicated to unraveling the complexities of life from molecules to organisms.

About the Role

The positions focus on studying how Staphylococcus aureus and mycobacteria interact with host cells and tissue microenvironments in patient biopsies. Using cutting-edge techniques like multiplex immunohistochemistry, advanced imaging, and visual proteomics, you’ll investigate critical knowledge gaps in bacterial infections to support the development of new drug discovery models. The roles are part of a Swiss research network tackling antimicrobial resistance, with access to state-of-the-art imaging and mass spectrometry facilities at the Biozentrum.

As a postdoc, you’ll lead innovative projects, mentor students, and engage in grant writing and peer review, fostering both scientific and career growth. The positions are full-time, temporary, and based in Basel, Switzerland, with an application deadline of July 2, 2025.

Why Join?

  • World-Class Research Environment: Work in a vibrant institute with 32 research groups, 500 employees, and a history of groundbreaking discoveries.
  • Advanced Technology: Leverage top-tier imaging and mass spectrometry platforms with expert support.
  • Career Development: Gain mentorship experience and opportunities to build skills in grant writing and peer review.
  • Life in Basel: Enjoy a high quality of life in a culturally rich, international city at the heart of Europe’s life sciences hub.

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for highly motivated candidates with a PhD (or nearing completion) and expertise in bacterial infections or advanced imaging/image analysis. Broad curiosity and a passion for discovery are essential.

How to Apply

Submit your CV and a brief description of your research experience and interests via the Biozentrum’s online application portal. References will be requested from finalists. For questions, contact Prof. Dirk Bumann at dirk.bumann@unibas.ch or click here for more details.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sport and Exercise Science at Durham University

Durham University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a UK Sport-funded project exploring the relationship between funding, medal targets, and athlete experiences in Olympic and Paralympic cycles. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful research in sports science under the leadership of Prof. Martin Roderick.

About the Role

The position involves supporting a project that examines the demands placed on elite athletes to meet performance metrics. The postdoc will conduct qualitative research, including narrative interviews and focus groups with current and former UK Sport-funded athletes and para-athletes, as well as prepare a self-completion survey and contribute to data analysis and publications. The role is flexible, allowing remote work with occasional travel to training sites for data collection. The position is full-time, fixed-term for 9 months, with an application deadline of June 25, 2025.

Why Join?

  • Impactful Research: Contribute to a project addressing critical questions about athlete experiences and performance pressures.
  • Flexible Work: Work remotely with the flexibility to collaborate with UK Sport and academic colleagues.
  • Career Development: Gain experience in qualitative research, data management, and publication, while working with a leading researcher in sports science.
  • Collaborative Environment: Engage with research sponsors and colleagues to build networks for future collaborations.

Who Should Apply?

Candidates should have a PhD (or be nearing completion) and experience in qualitative research, ideally in sports science or a related field. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively are essential.

How to Apply

Apply via the Durham University job portal with your CV and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. For further details, refer to the official listing or contact Prof. Martin Roderick.

Postdoctoral Scholarship in Cryo-EM of Photosynthetic Protein Complexes at Umeå University

The Department of Plant Physiology at Umeå University, part of the Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), is offering a two-year postdoctoral scholarship to investigate high-resolution structures of Photosystem II. This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading research group focused on photosynthetic water oxidation.

About the Role

Funded by the Kempe Foundation, this scholarship supports full-time research starting October 1, 2025, or by agreement, with an application deadline of September 1, 2025. The project, led by Prof. Johannes Messinger, aims to improve understanding of the mechanism of water oxidation in photosynthesis by obtaining cryo-EM structures of Photosystem II under various conditions and illumination states. The postdoc will explore protonation states of amino acids and the role of protein dynamics in photosynthetic processes, using tools like molecular biology, biophysics, and spectroscopy.

The role includes access to Umeå’s excellent cryo-EM facility and opportunities to participate in complementary biophysical studies, manuscript and grant writing, and international collaborations. The scholarship provides 360,000 SEK per year (tax-free) and 260,000 SEK annually for running costs.

Why Join?

  • Cutting-Edge Research: Contribute to groundbreaking structural biology research on photosynthesis.
  • Advanced Facilities: Access state-of-the-art cryo-EM infrastructure and a supportive research environment at UPSC.
  • Career Development: Gain skills in cryo-EM, biophysical techniques, and scientific communication within a global research network.
  • Life in Umeå: Enjoy a vibrant academic community in a city known for its high quality of life and natural beauty.

Who Should Apply?

Candidates should have a PhD (or equivalent, completed within the last three years, with exceptions for special circumstances) in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field. Experience in cryo-EM, photosynthetic sample handling, or data processing is required, along with strong English communication skills and the ability to work in a team.

How to Apply

Submit your application via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system (Varbi) by September 1, 2025. Include a cover letter (max 2 pages), CV with publication list, copies of your doctoral degree certificate and PhD thesis, and contact information for 2-3 references. For questions, contact Prof. Johannes Messinger at johannes.messinger@umu.se.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Islet and Beta Cell Biology at IRCM, Montréal

The Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) is offering a CIHR- and industry-funded postdoctoral fellowship to advance diabetes research through the study of islet and beta cell biology. This position provides an opportunity to contribute to transformative therapies for diabetes.

About the Role

The fellowship focuses on developing and evaluating novel therapeutics to enhance beta cell function and mass, designing in vivo beta cell targeting strategies, and characterizing islet and beta cell responses in preclinical models. The postdoc will employ advanced in vivo imaging, delivery technologies, and functional assays to drive cutting-edge diabetes research. The position is full-time, permanent, and based in Montréal, Canada, with an application deadline of July 12, 2025.

Why Join?

  • Impactful Research: Contribute to translating scientific discoveries into transformative diabetes therapies.
  • Advanced Technologies: Utilize cutting-edge imaging and functional assay techniques in a leading research institute.
  • Career Development: Build expertise in islet biology and preclinical models while collaborating with a dynamic research team.
  • Life in Montréal: Enjoy a vibrant, multicultural city with a strong academic and research community.

Who Should Apply?

Candidates should have a PhD in Cell Biology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a related field, with hands-on experience in in vivo diabetes models (e.g., STZ, NOD, diet-induced obesity) and techniques like glucose tolerance testing, insulin assays, and islet isolation. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are essential.

How to Apply

Apply via the IRCM job portal with your CV and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest. For more information, visit diabetesresearch.ca or ircm.qc.ca, or contact the research team at the provided website.

Postdoc Opportunity in Sustainable Biomass Processing at University of Technology Vienna

Are you passionate about creating a greener future? The University of Technology Vienna in Austria is offering a postdoctoral position in the Cluster of Excellence Circular Bioengineering to work on sustainable biomass processing. This is your chance to join a dynamic team and make a real impact on environmental sustainability!

What’s the Job?

You’ll develop eco-friendly ways to process biomass using green solvents like supercritical CO₂ and ionic liquids. The project focuses on extracting valuable chemicals for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, turning lignin into biofuels, and creating materials to capture CO₂ for producing chemicals like methanol. You’ll use advanced tools like GC-MS and NMR. This full-time, temporary role starts September 1, 2025, with applications due by June 30, 2025.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Green Impact: Help build sustainable solutions for a circular economy.
  • Cutting-Edge Labs: Work with top-notch equipment in Vienna’s advanced facilities.
  • Career Boost: Gain expertise in green chemistry and collaborate with a diverse team.
  • Life in Vienna: Enjoy a vibrant, cultural city with a fantastic quality of life.

Who Can Apply?

You need a PhD in chemistry, biotechnology, environmental science, or a related field. Experience with solvent extraction or analytical tools like HPLC or NMR is a plus. Teamwork and organizational skills are key.

How to Apply

Submit your CV and cover letter via the Circular Bioengineering website (https://www.circularbioengineering.at/) by June 30, 2025. Check the official listing or contact the team for more details.

Looking for more tips to boost your science career? Check out BioCareersHub at for awesome advice, job listings, and updates. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to stay in the loop and take your next step as a researcher!

Leave a Comment