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

We are looking for a PhD student in Medical Science with an orientation towards Molecular Biology and a special interest in Mucosal Immunology and Host-Microbe Interaction. The position at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University is temporary for four years to start 1 May 2020 or as agreed.

The successful candidate will participate in activities provided by the Department of Molecular Biology, the  Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR) and the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, thus providing interaction with researchers from different research fields and access to various scientific and technical expertises.

PhD project and tasks

An employed doctoral student must primarily devote his or her time to his or her own doctoral research. The aim of the planned PhD project is to examine the interaction between antimicrobial peptides, diet and gut bacteria in the intestine. Trillions of bacteria live in our gut in a relationship from which both sides benefit. Antimicrobial peptides are host-produced peptide antibiotics that also shape the composition of the gut microbiota. In the planned project we will study how dietary interventions alter antimicrobial peptide expression and function and how this is related to the gut microbiota. We will employ a combination of in vivo dietary intervention, 16S analyses, in vitro antimicrobial activity assays and qPCR analyses. The overall aim of the project is to better understand the complex regulation of gut barrier function, since barrier dysfunction is associated with several modern diseases.

For questions about the project please contact Björn Schröder, bjorn.schroder@umu.se.

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 which will be evaluated by the postgraduate studies board of the department.

Qualifications

You should have an interest in research of interactions between diet, gut bacteria and mucosal barrier function in the intestine. Experience in the field of probiotic-host interaction, bioinformatics and work with antimicrobial peptides are strong merits. The successful candidate should have documented training in animal handling.

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.

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

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 1 May 2020 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 at the latest 18 March 2020. Your application must contain the following documents written in English or Swedish:

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

We welcome your application!

More about us

You can find more information about us at www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology and www.mims.umu.se.