Umeå University, Medicinska fakulteten

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.

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The Faculty of Medicine, which consists of 13 departments, is responsible for biomedical research and courses in the field of nursing and health care and has an extensive research and graduate education in more than 80 subjects.

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 immediately 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.

Background and description of tasks

The aim of the planned PhD project is to examine the interaction between gut bacteria and the intestinal mucus barrier.

This project aims to identify and characterize the mechanism of how specific gut bacteria modulate function of the intestinal mucus layer. Furthermore, we aim to identify factors that affect the quantity of selected microbes that modulate mucus function. The project is expected to provide deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms of host-microbe interaction in the intestine. These results can be the starting point for the development of new probiotic approaches. 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.

Eligibility

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. 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.

Qualifications

You should have an interest in research of interactions between gut bacteria and mucosal barrier function in the intestine. Experience in the field of bacterial proteases, bacterial and/or fungal infections are strong merits.

Work experience in preclinical pharmaceutical research, knowledge of regulations regarding drug development, and training in experimental animal knowledge are strong merit. We are looking for a highly motivated person who has the ability to work productively in a team as well as independently and who has a great interest in host-microbial interactions and in transferring experimental research results to applied medical use.

You need to be fluent in spoken and written English, which will be evaluated by the postgraduate studies board of the department.

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 immediately 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 April 21st 2021. 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 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 contact Björn Schröder (bjorn.schroder@umu.se).

We welcome your application!

More about us

The Björn Schröder lab is part of The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), an interdisciplinary research centre devoted to top quality research and novel applications in the field of microbiology and infection biology.

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

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment Immediatly or as agreed
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-503-21
Contact
  • Björn Schröder, bjorn.schroder@umu.se
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 31.Mar.2021
Last application date 21.Apr.2021 11:59 PM CEST

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