PhD position in Molecular Biology at The Department of Molecular Biology - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

Background and description of work tasks

The project aims at studying the impact of cell-autonomous defense responses on the intracellular growth of obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens, such as Chlamydia trachomatis. Specifically, the doctoral student will generate various defense-deficient cell lines, characterize the effect of defense inactivation on pathogen propagation, and identify and characterize virulence factors that make pathogens insensitive to cell-autonomous immunity. The doctoral student will be responsible for designing and performing experiments, analyzing and presenting results, and writing reports.

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. Required is a minimum of 30 credits in chemistry, including at least 7.5 credits biochemistry; 45 credits in biology or molecular biology with at least 7.5 credits in genetics and 22.5 credits in 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 also need to be fluent in spoken and written English, which will be evaluated by the postgraduate studies board of the department. 

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 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.

Experience in cell culture, bacterial culture, and genetic manipulation of cell lines and/or bacteria will be considered as merit. Previous experience in working with Chlamydia spp. is an advantage.

Basis of assessment

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 not be taken by the faculty’s director of studies until an individual study plan has been approved by the departmental admission board.

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.

Access 2019-05-01 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

You apply through our recruitment system. Your application must contain the following documents written in English:

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

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. For questions regarding the position, please contact the project supervisor: Barbara Sixt (barbara.sixt@umu.se).

More about us

The Sixt lab is part of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), an interdisciplinary research center devoted to top quality research and novel applications in the field of microbiology. You can find more information about us at www.mims.umu.se/groups/barbara-sixt; www.ucmr.umu.se, and www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology/.