Doctoral student in Medical Science

Doctoral student in Medical Science - Bioinformatics, Evolution and Pathogenicity

Reference number PAR 2025/10

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Doctoral position in Medical Science

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is located at the Institute of Biomedicine at the Faculty of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.

Doctoral education in Medical Science comprises carrying out a scientific project and completing at least 30 credits of courses at third-cycle level. The doctoral student must also write a scientific compilation thesis or monograph corresponding to at least 120 credits. For more information about third-cycle studies at Sahlgrenska Academy, see here.

Project: The von Mentzer Lab at the University of Gothenburg invites applications for a PhD position focused on understanding bacterial evolution and pathogenicity through data-driven approaches. This project centers on applying advanced computational tools—such as bioinformatics, machine learning, and large-scale genomic data analysis—to unravel how pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) evolve and adapt to different hosts. The primary focus is computational, with opportunities to incorporate molecular biology techniques to validate key findings.

Key research areas include:

- Using computational methods to analyze bacterial surface proteins involved in host interactions and predict host-pathogen dynamics.
- Identifying genetic traits responsible for the emergence of new pathogenic E. coli variants.
- Mapping the evolution and spread of mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids, that carry virulence and resistance genes.

As part of this PhD position, you will also join the DDLS Research School, which offers an excellent training program in data-driven life science. This provides opportunities to develop advanced computational skills, participate in interdisciplinary research, and build a strong network within the SciLifeLab community. Additionally, you will be part of CARe – the Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg. CARe is an interdisciplinary excellence center that connects multiple universities and hospitals in the region, providing a unique environment for collaborative research addressing global health challenges.

The position is interdisciplinary and combines computer science and bioinformatics with applications in biology and medicine. A substantial part of the research will be conducted in collaboration with scientists from different disciplines, including a close partnership with Chalmers University of Technology.

The supervisory team includes:

Principal Supervisor Dr. Astrid von Mentzer:
Expert in microbial genomics and bacterial evolution, leading the data-driven aspects of the project.

Co-Supervisor Professor Erik Kristiansson (Chalmers University of Technology):
Specialist in bioinformatics and machine learning, providing guidance in computational approaches and advanced data analysis.

Co-Supervisor Dr. Carl-Fredrik Flach (University of Gothenburg):
Expert in environmental microbiology, contributing biological perspectives and insights to the research.

This interdisciplinary project seeks to advance our understanding of bacterial adaptability and evolution, contributing to improved diagnostics, therapeutics, and prevention strategies.

We are looking for a motivated, independent, and curious candidate. A background in data science, bioinformatics, mathematics, systems biology, biotechnology, or a related field is highly valued. The project focuses on exploring questions in bacterial genomics using advanced computational methods. Experience with analysing large-scale biological data, as well as computing and programming skills (e.g., Python and R), are considered beneficial. Familiarity with Linux/UNIX environments and, ideally, experience with machine learning or artificial intelligence are also valued. Strong written and oral communication skills in English are important for this position.

Doctoral studies comprise four years of full-time study, leading to a doctoral degree. As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20% of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, resulting in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels but may also include research and administration.

Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.

The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:

1. Having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
2. The fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or
3. The acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.

Specific entry requirements for this subject, according to the general syllabus, are having successfully completed the English B/6 course or are considered to have acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies.

Assessment criteria

The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies. The assessment shall attach particular importance to documented qualifications for:

- Specific knowledge and skills within the subject area and related research fields
- Experience of scientific theory and relevant research methodology
- Scientific analysis and presentation verified through an academic paper, degree project, scientific journals or the like.

Admission and employment

Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg. The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS1993:100. Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time. A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years.

Location: Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Extent: 100%. First day of employment: as agreed.

The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.

Please note, doctoral studies at the Institute of Biomedicine require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, the Institute of Biomedicine has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.

Contact information

For more information about the project please contact principal supervisor,
Astrid von Mentzer, Institute of Biomedicine,
e-mail: astrid.von.mentzer@gu.se

You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

You must include the following, in pdf format:

- Personal letter
- CV
- Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement
- Proof of completion of English 6 course or the acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies

If your degree is from a university outside of Sweden, make sure that you attach a diploma and full transcripts that make assessing your degree easier..

If your degree has not been verified by a Swedish authority, you need to provide contact details to the issuing university, registrar or similar, that can verify the degree at our request.

Applications must be received by: 2025-02-27

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

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