Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

We are looking for a PhD student in Technical-natural science with an orientation towards Molecular Biology and a special interest in Infection Biology. The position at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University is temporary for four years to start immediately or as agreed.

 

PhD Project

The project aims at studying the effect of acute and chronic infection/intoxication with bacteria expressing a novel family of bacterial toxins, known as genotoxins, which cause DNA damage in mammalian cells.

Specifically, the doctoral student will characterize the effects of the genotoxins on the tissue architecture (e.g. intestinal tract and liver), the host response (special focus on the immune response), induction of DNA damage and genomic instability caused by short term and long-term infections/intoxication in organoids and 3D models as well as in in vivo models.

The doctoral student will be responsible to design and perform experiments, analyze and present results, and write reports. The project includes in vivo infections with bacterial pathogens and assays on infected cells in culture using biochemical and cell/molecular biology techniques.

 

Eligibility

To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

 

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level within the subject of molecular biology, the applicant is required to  have completed courses comprising at least 30 ECTS credits within the main field of chemistry, of which at least 7.5 ECTS credits shall have been acquired in biochemistry. They shall also have acquired 45 ECTS credits within the main field of biology or molecular biology, of which at least 7.5 ECTS credits  shall have been acquired in genetics and 22.5 ECTS credits within microbiology, physiology, and cellular and molecular biology. In addition to this, 45 ECTS credits at second-cycle level are required within the field of cellular and molecular biology, including independent work comprising at least 15 ECTS credits.

Applicants must hold a University degree equivalent to a European University Master degree of at least 240 credits (ECTS) in Biological and Health Sciences at the time of the recruitment, or equivalent levels of education otherwise acquired in Sweden or abroad.

 

Qualifications

The candidate should be highly motivated, have very good communication skills with senior colleagues and peers and the ability to interact effectively and work productively in a team as well as the ability to work independently. The candidate should also be able to present data and ideas at regular laboratory group meeting, and keep an updated record of the experimental results.

Previous experience in 2D and 3D cell culture and bacterial culture, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy will be considered as merit. Fluent oral and written communication in English is required and will be evaluated by the postgraduate studies board of the department

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.

 

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.

Good collaborative skills, drive and independent work ability are considered as positive merits.

An admission decision will not be taken by the department head until an individual study plan has been approved by the departmental admission board.

 

About the employment 

The position is limited to four years full-time. If part-time teaching (maximum 20%) can be offered the employment period can be extended.  The position starts immediately or as agreed. Salary is according to a stipulated scale for PhD employments. According to the higher education Ordinance (Chapter 12, section 2) decisions on employment cannot be appealed.

 

How to apply

Your application must contain the following documents written in English or Swedish:

  • A cover letter describing research experience and interests, motivation for applying for the doctoral position
  • A CV with information on education, a list of previous and current employments, and a list of publications.
  • Copies of the relevant degrees
  • Copies of publications
  • Contact details of three references.

Your application could be written in English and you apply through the universtiy´s recruitment system Varbi. Last day to apply is 2018-03-08

Union information is available from SACO, +46-(0)90-786 53 65, SEKO, +46-(0)90-786 52 96 and ST, +46-(0)90-786 54 31.

 

Information

For questions regarding the position contact Teresa Frisan, e-mail: Teresa Frisan teresa.frisan@umu.se

 

More about us

You can find more information about us at :  http://www.molbiol.umu.se/english  and http:/www.ucmr.umu.se

 

Welcome with you application!

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2018-04-01
Salary monthly
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-299-18
Contact
  • Teresa Frisan, Professor , teresa.frisan@umu.se
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 15.Feb.2018
Last application date 08.Mar.2018 11:59 PM CET

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