PhD position in structural biology of virus replication

PhD position in structural biology of virus replication

We are looking for a PhD student in Medical Science with an interest in molecular and structural virology. The position at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University is temporary for four years to start during spring 2025 or as agreed. 

The PhD student will participate in activities provided by the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, thus providing interaction with researchers from different research fields and access to various scientific and technical expertise. All PhD students at the Faculty of Medicine attend the doctoral education program. More information about the program can be found at Doctoral studies at the Faculty of Medicine

Background and description of tasks

The PhD student will use state-of the-art methods such as cryo-electron tomography of cells/tissues and biochemical reconstitution to study the replication of positive-sense RNA viruses. This is a vast group of viruses responsible for serious diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, TBE and viral myocarditis. To copy their genomes, these viruses remodel the cytoplasm of the infected cell to create viral replication organelles. Despite their central role in virus infections, our understanding of the structure and function of replication organelles is still limited. The PhD student will study fundamental questions regarding the structure and function of replication organelles.

A person who is employed as a PhD student shall primarily devote themselves to their own education. The project and research environment will give the dedicated student the opportunity to train as a first-class researcher. Our goal is to provide the supportive and inspiring environment required to ensure a good start to your research career.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a university degree equivalent to a European University Master’s degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 credit points, of which at least 60 credit points should be at second-cycle level. 

You should be fluent in spoken and written English. English skills and the ability to benefit from the education will be evaluated by the postgraduate studies board of the department.

Qualifications

Aptitude for critical and creative thinking is expected, as is a solid education in a subject such as biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology, or biology. The research may entail both experimental and computational work. Therefore, experience in experimental molecular biology and cell biology is a merit, as is understanding of physics and structural biology, and experience in computational work including programming. You should be highly motivated and be able to work productively in an international team as well as independently. Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with senior colleagues and peers are required. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability, scientific reasoning, and the ability to write and understand scientific text. 

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 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 be taken by the faculty’s director of studies.

About the employment

The position is intended 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 date 1 March 2025, or a later date 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 Varbi at the latest December 15th, 2024. Your application must contain the following documents written in English:

• 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.

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 lars-anders.carlson@umu.se

More about us

You can find more information here