Scientific Program Manager for SciLifeLab

 SciLifeLab is launching a new strategic research program, Alpha Cell to map the molecular structure and function of single human cells in time and space and create AI-based models to predict human cells. As the Scientific Program Manager, you will make a key contribution to this exciting new direction at SciLifeLab through setting up, coordinating and managing the interdisciplinary research efforts within the Alpha Cell program, as well as with international partners and collaborators. You are welcome to apply and become part of SciLifeLab Operations Office and the future of life science!

About SciLifeLab

(Science for Life Laboratory) is Sweden's national research centre for molecular biosciences. We have a mission from the government and the centre is run on a non-profit basis as a collaboration between the founding universities KTH, KI, SU and UU and with operations at most other universities in Sweden. The collaboration across university boundaries creates synergies that drive research forward and the high-tech methods enable research that would otherwise not be possible in Sweden. At SciLifeLab, we do not only apply the latest and most advanced technology, we also develop novel technologies and transform the data they generate into knowledge.

About the department/group

In this role, you belong to the department that works with management and operational support for SciLifeLab's national mission, Operations Office. We are a total of 35 employees who are employed at either KTH or Uppsala University, of which 20 work in our department at SciLifeLab (KTH). The team is characterized by forward-thinking, strong commitment, and warm collegiality. Everyone is given space to take significant responsibility and grow through challenges, while always having support when needed.

The role may evolve with the development of SciLifeLab as a national resource, meaning tasks could change or be added over time. Occasionally, responsibilities outside the scope of the role may also arise due to highly interactive and collaborative team spirit.

You will be employed by KTH and your workplace will be at SciLifeLab in Solna.

Job description/ Work tasks

SciLifeLab is now seeking an experienced Scientific Program Manager with a background as a researcher at the intersection of advanced molecular cell biology and AI, capable of aligning strategic thinking and operational initiatives with organizational goals. You will assist SciLifeLab’s management in initiating, developing, and managing collaborative projects and processes, offering both strategic advice and operational support.

Your primary responsibility will be to coordinate and support the SciLifeLab Alpha Cell program, a new flagship research program where collaboration with organizations across Sweden and internationally is central. The program aims to create an AI model of a human cell to predict core cellular functions including metabolism and division. It is based on the SciLifeLab Human Protein Atlas achievements to map all human proteins and will extend this data inside the cell in space and time. Alpha Cell will be launched in 2026, is funded by the Knut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW) and run by SciLifeLab.

To be successful in this position you need a deep understanding of the emerging research field virtual cells, at the interface of advanced molecular cell biology and imaging on the one hand and artificial intelligence based cellular models on the other hand. You should possess a PhD and research experience in a relevant area, both experimental and data driven research experience is considered relevant. PostDoc experience is considered a merit.

The role is multifaceted and requires scientific knowledge in the research field to allow for coordination, project and consortium management, strategic advice and being able to engage in expert dialogues between the interdisciplinary stakeholders, in order to set up and coordinate the research program. In addition to scientific background, the role therefore also requires excellent managerial, communication and project lead skills and experience. You will be working closely with the Scientific Directors, PIs and infrastructure platform heads of the program, the program’s scientific advisory group as well as the colleagues in the SciLifeLab support organization. You will also engage with different entities and stakeholders internally and externally and represent the program in different forums.

The workplace is exciting and dynamic, which means that tasks may change in line with SciLifeLab's development as a national organisation.

The work involves a combination of independent and routine tasks with many contacts both internally and externally. You will work independently but closely with the leadership team to plan, lead, coordinate, implement, and follow up on activities, projects, and collaborations aimed at strengthening SciLifeLab’s research, infrastructure, and education.

In the role you will, among other things:

• Plan and organize the scientific strategy and organizational structure of the program in close collaboration with the Scientific Directors Prof. Jan Ellenberg and Prof. Mathias Uhlén.
• Coordinate and monitor research activities, recruitments and other efforts including outreach and external collaborations that will be part of the program.
• Project management, implementation, organization of project meetings, documentation of results and experiences, and investigative assignments are included.
• Relationship-building between the scientific and infrastructure teams of the program and internal communication are key elements, as is an oversight on budgeting and operational planning in close dialogue with the Alpha Cell financial controller and administrative coordinator, as well as the Scientific Directors.

We offer

• A position at SciLifeLab, Sweden’s national organization of advancing life sciences and providing cutting edge technology infrastructure and data services
• A position at a leading technical university that contributes to a sustainable future
• A creative, international and dynamic environment
• A government position with excellent working conditions
• A lot of responsibility, independence and potential to grow in your professional role

Read more about what it's like to work at KTH and our benefits.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Academic degree and PhD in a field that the employer considers relevant, such as advanced molecular cell biology, structural and/or functional imaging or application of computational modeling, machine learning and AI to understand cellular function.
• At least five years’ experience working within the university system, another public agency, or a knowledge-driven organization.
• Solid experience, as assessed by the employer, in project management, process mapping and process management.
• Well-documented experience of scientific writing and/or reporting and follow-up. Work experience in leading teams.
• Professional and negotiation command of English, with good ability to express yourself fluently in speech, especially regarding negotiations and formal writing though these are used in daily work. 
• Very good knowledge of working in digital administrative systems.
• Good ability to organize information and data systematically.

Personal Qualities

• You have a strong research background and merits as a project manager, and you are driven by acting as the organizational force supporting alignment of efforts towards the common goal.
• Since SciLifeLab is constantly evolving, it is important that you are pragmatic, solution-oriented, creative, and flexible, and that you enjoy agile working methods. You should be comfortable working under tight deadlines, structured in your work, see the bigger picture, and continuously prioritize based on operational needs. You are unpretentious and capable of building trust and collaborating well with others in the program and team. Your communication skills and clarity will help you lead collaborative projects and align team efforts toward shared goals.

Preferred qualifications

• Post doctoral research experience in a field that the employer considers relevant, such as advanced molecular cell biology, structural and/or functional imaging or application of computational modeling, machine learning and AI to understand cellular function.
• Education in business administration, project management or team leadership. Proven ability to lead complex projects and to support and coordinate other project participants.
• Previous experience in collaboration projects with diverse stakeholders and supporting research activities.
• Experience in developing guidelines and policy documents, managing change processes, conducting organizational analysis, and developing operations in line with strategic goals.
• Familiarity with implementing tools and working methods to improve work quality.
• Familiarity with Swedish language or an interest to acquire it. 

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply for this position. You are responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad. Your complete application must be received by KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The employment is valid until further notice (permanent post) according to agreement.
The employment begins with a six-month probationary period.

Other information

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

Tests may be applied in this recruiting process.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence