PhD position in Microbiology

We are looking for a PhD student in Medical Science with an orientation towards Molecular Biology and a special interest in bacteriology and cell wall biology. The position at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University is temporary for four years to start June 1 st or as agreed. The PhD student will participate in activities provided by the Department of Molecular Biology, the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), and the Umeå Centrum for Microbial Research (UCMR), thus providing interaction with researchers from different research fields and access to various scientific and technical expertise. More information about the doctoral education program at the Faculty of Medicine can be found at Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Medicine -

Work tasks

A person who is employed as a PhD student shall primarily devote his-/or herself to his/her own education. The project and research environment will give the dedicated student the opportunity to train as a first-class researcher. In this project, the student will explore how pathogenic bacteria build and break down their cell walls. By using cutting-edge techniques, they aim to uncover new insights into bacterial biology and genetics, potentially revealing fresh targets for antibiotic development. The student will employ methods such as transposition-sequencing (Tn-seq) and advanced chromatography (HPLC and UPLC) to examine cell wall composition. They'll also use mutant libraries for screening and other molecular biology techniques. Results will be carefully documented and presented to contribute to scientific understanding.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a University degree equivalent to a European University Master degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 credit points, of which at least 60 credit points should be at second-cycle level. Required is a minimum of 30 credits in the main field of chemistry, including at least 7.5 credits biochemistry; 45 credits in the major areas of biology or molecular biology with at least 7.5 credits in genetics and 22,5 credits in the fields of microbiology, physiology and cell-and molecular biology. Additionally, at least 45 credits from second cycle studies in cell- and molecular biology including an independent work of at least 15 credits is required. You need to be fluent in spoken and written English.

Qualifications

The candidate should have previous experience in wet lab techniques like molecular cloning, protein purification, handling of cultures of different microbial species under -oxic and hypoxic conditions, and biochemical methods such as immunoblotting. Sincere enthusiasm for cell wall biology and genetics is beneficial. Knowledge and/or basic skills in molecular biology, microscopy, microbiology, cell culture techniques and infection biology of intracellular pathogens are additional merits. [FC1] You should be highly motivated and able to work productively in a team as well as independently. Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with senior colleagues and peers are required.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Basis of assessment

The evaluation of the ability and potential to perform well is based primarily on:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to doctoral studies within the research area

2. The ability to formulate and solve scientific questions.

3. Skills in written and oral communication in English.

4. Other experience relevant to doctoral studies, such as professional experience.

A selection will be made among qualified applicants on the basis of their qualifications and their ability to benefit from studies at the doctoral level. After the selection of the suitable candidate, the process for the admission to doctoral studies will commence. An admission decision will be taken by the faculty’s director of studies.

About the employment

The position is intendent to result in a doctoral degree and is limited to four years full time. If part-time teaching (max. 20%) can be offered, the employment period can be extended.

Start date 1-June-2024 or as agreed.

Wage placement takes place according to the established salary ladder for doctoral student employment.

According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), the decision on employment cannot be appealed.

How to apply