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 gut microbiota and mucosal immunology. The position at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University is temporary for four years to start 1st of February 2022 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) 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 intestine is one of the most densely populated habitats on our planet and trillions of bacteria live in our gut. Efficient defense mechanisms protect the body against infection by this intestinal bacterial community. Intestinal mucus is the first line of defense against gut bacteria, but gut bacteria are also required to develop a fully functional mucus layer.  The overall aim of the project is to develop strategies to investigate the effect of gut microbiota on intestinal mucus function. The work will exploit in vivo dietary intervention studies in mice, 16S gut microbiota analyses, ex vivo mucus analyses and confocal imaging techniques.

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 credit points, of which at least 60 credit points should be at second-cycle level, or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way 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 are required.

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

Qualifications

Experience in gut microbiota research, especially from work with germ-free mice, infection and colitis mouse models, and studies on mucus function are strong merits. You should be well organized and be able to work productively in a team as well as independently. Excellent communication skills for interacting 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.

Start of employment: 1st of February 2022 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 30th of December 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 Björn Schröder, bjorn.schroder@umu.se

We welcome your application!

More about us

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