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 infection biology. 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.

More information about the doctoral education program at the Faculty of Medicine can be found at (https://www.aurora.umu.se/en/organisation-and-management/organisation/faculties/faculty-of-medicine/doctoral-studies/).

Background and description of tasks

The obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial agent of blindness and sexually-transmitted diseases. Within the host cell, the pathogen replicates in a membrane-enclosed vacuole. The aim of this project is to test the hypothesis that this encasement protects the pathogen from the host cell-intrinsic defense responses. The work will exploit novel genetic techniques for Chlamydia in combination with state-of-the-art microscopic imaging approaches. The doctoral student will be responsible for designing and performing experiments, analysing, interpreting and presenting results in oral and writing form. A person who is employed as a PhD student shall primarily devote his-/or herself to his/her own education. The project and the 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 or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 credits are 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

The successful candidate should have knowledge in molecular biology, microbiology, and cell biology and documented practical experience in molecular biology, human cell culture, and fluorescence microscopy. Experience of work with intracellular bacterial pathogens is a strong merit. The successful candidate should be highly motivated and able to work productively in a team, as well as independently. Excellent communication skills 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 positive merits.

A selection will be made among qualified applicants based on 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 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 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 10th November 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 two to three references.

For questions regarding the position contact Barbara Sixt (barbara.sixt@umu.se).

We welcome your application!

More about us

The Sixt Lab is part of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS). MIMS is the Swedish Node of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine and a part of UCMR (Umeå Centre for Microbial Research), which provides a stimulating, collaborative, and highly international research environment with excellent access to modern research facilities.

You can find more information about us at:

http://www.sixtlab.org
http://www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology/