Call for a Scientific Lead for SciLifeLab Pandemic Laboratory Preparedness Strategic Area
SciLifeLab is seeking a Scientific Lead to further develop the Pandemic Laboratory Preparedness strategic area (PLP)
SciLifeLab Pandemic Laboratory Preparedness (PLP) Strategic Area, established in 2021, is a government-appointed assignment that addresses society’s need for efficient use of resources, training and education, and the dissemination of skills and technologies to improve national preparedness for pandemics and, where possible, other biological crises. The position is based in one of the swedish university Sweden and part time appointment 50% for one year starting in August 2026.
The Scientific lead för Pandemic Laboratory Preparedness will be recrutied by advertising the position on SciLifeLab webpage. The applications will be evaluated by the present PLP Scientific Lead and SciLifeLab Management.
Role and Responsibilities
The Scientific Lead will work closely with the existing Scientific Leads and SciLifeLab Management to provide scientific and strategic leadership for the PLP Strategic Area.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Contributing to the overall scientific direction and strategic development of the PLP program, including developing a long-term vision from infectious biology to broader societal threats requiring molecular profiling (environmental dimensions, One Health approach).
- Establishing a SciLifeLab laboratory preparedness plan (including SciLifeLab Platforms and national sites)
- Strategically planning and evaluating PLP research grants, including large-scale flagship projects (unicorn-initiatives).
- Representing SciLifeLab PLP in relevant scientific, governmental, and international forums.
- Supporting coordination of national PLP activities across academia, healthcare, and governmental stakeholders, aiming at strengthening inter-university collaboration and enhance national resilience.
- Establishing structured collaborative agreements with governmental agencies and other stakeholders, including pipelines and communication networks.
- Ensuring integration between research, SciLifeLab platforms, SciLifeLab sites, and other preparedness infrastructures.
- Engaging in policymaking to facilitate national pandemic laboratory preparedness development.
- Helping define priorities for training, capacity building, and technology development.
- Strengthening national and international collaborations in pandemic laboratory preparedness, including closer connections to development research in other countries.
Qualifications
We seek an established scientific leader with strong experience in pandemic preparedness and laboratory infrastructure. The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- A PhD or equivalent in a relevant life science, medical, or related discipline
- Employment at a Swedish university
- Proven leadership in large-scale research or infrastructure initiatives for diagnostic and reseaerch in infections diseases
- Expertise in areas such as translational research, diagnostics, sequencing, biobanking, or high-throughput laboratory systems
- Extensive Experience working at the interface of science, healthcare, and policy making
- Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time required.
- Strong national and international professional networks
- Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills, and willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment required
- Excellent collaboration, and strategic skills
- Strong oral and written communication, data documentation, and presentation skills required in both english and swedish
- Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in laboratory and diagnostic documentation in accordance with standardized quality assurance systems
- Demonstrated experience translating scientific research into policy-related work
Prior involvement in SciLifeLab PLP activities and familiarity with Swedish preparedness structures are considered strong merits.
Application
Applicants are invited to submit in the link below:
• A brief cover letter outlining motivation and suitability for the role
• CV including relevant leadership experience and selected publications
The timeline the recruitment is the following:
- 31 Mars – call open
- 15 April – call close
- 8 May – discussion of the applications with SciLifeLab Management
- 2 June – Decision at the SciLifeLab Board Meeting
