PhD position in medical science within bioinformatic, computational methods - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

Umeå University’s Department of Clinical Microbiology is looking for a PhD student within the field of medical science with a focus on bioinformatics. We offer an international, stimulating, and collaborative research environment where your scientific career development is promoted.

The project involves developing computational methods, which can facilitate the discovery of novel secondary metabolites from microbial (meta)genomes. You will be part of a research group that collaborates with other leading researchers. Our goal is to obtain new, ground-breaking knowledge that enables development in the field of bioinformatics.

Project description

Microbial (meta)genome mining approaches for drug discovery.

Secondary metabolites (SMs) produced by microbes have critically important roles in human health, including as essential therapeutics (e.g., antimicrobials, anticancer agents). (Meta)genomic data derived from microbes thus offers tremendous potential as a reservoir for novel SMs; however, accurate, scalable in silico methods are necessary to leverage such data for SM discovery. Here, the PhD student will develop and apply bioinformatic tools, which can facilitate the discovery of novel SMs from millions of microbial (meta)genomes available in public databases.

You who are admitted to doctoral studies at the Faculty of Medicine will be part of the faculty-wide doctoral education programme. The doctoral programme comprises 25 credits and is offered in two study variants: 25 credits spread over 8 terms (a total of 4 years) or over 12 terms (a total of 6 years), starting each autumn and spring semester. More information about the programme can be found on the faculty’s web page for doctoral studies (Doctoral Studies at the Faculty of Medicine - Handbook (umu.se)).

Eligibility requirements

You must have at least 240 higher education credits (hc), of which at least 60 hc are at an advanced level, in natural sciences, life sciences, or engineering.

Applicants must be skilled in both oral and written communication in English, able to work independently as well as in collaboration with others, and be highly motivated

Meritorious

• A degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, or a related field; candidates from other fields with strong programming/coding skills (see below) are also encouraged to apply.
• Proficient in at least one programming language, preferably Python or R.
• Comfortable working in a diverse, inclusive, interdisciplinary, and highly collaborative environment.
• Ability to navigate UNIX filesystems from the command line.
• Previous experience computing in HPC environments.
• Knowledge of JavaScript or related languages (e.g., Vega, Shiny).
• Previous software development experience.
• Previous coursework or research experience in the biological sciences.

Further details 

The position is funded via the SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS; https://www.scilifelab.se/data-driven/), a 12-year initiative aimed at recruiting and training the next generation of data-driven life scientists. In addition to being affiliated with the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-clinical-microbiology/), you will be affiliated with the national DDLS program, through which you will have access to computing resources, the national DDLS research school, and other training and networking opportunities.

You will be further affiliated with the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS; https://www.mims.umu.se/); MIMS is a member of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, which is dedicated to the growing field of life sciences that investigates the molecular basis of disease and explores molecularly and genetically based treatments.

Application

Doctoral position 4 years, starting according to agreement.
The application is made electronically (via the system Varbi).
Last application date 23 April 2023

The application must contain:

• A cover letter (one A4 page), highlighting your specific qualifications and motivation for the position.
• A curriculum vitae (CV), including a full list of publications.
• Certified copies of diplomas, certificates, and grades.
• Recommendation and names of at least 2 reference persons.

Other information

• Doctoral position 4 years, starting according to agreement.
• Salary placement takes place according to the established salary scale for doctoral employment.
• According to the Higher Education Ordinance (ch.12,§2), the decision on employment cannot be appealed..
• For more information, contact Laura Carroll (laura.carroll@umu.se).

We welcome your application!