Stress response modelling in IceLab: PhD position in computational science to uncover organelle coordination mechanisms under stress

The Department of Physics is looking for a PhD student in computational science with a focus on understanding the coordination mechanisms between the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts in plant cells. The position is for four years of full-time doctoral studies. The employment starts in August 2025 or according to an agreement. The application deadline is February 16.

The research school for stress response modelling in IceLab
Starting in the spring of 2025, Umeå University’s interdisciplinary research hub, IceLab, will offer doctoral positions through the new Stress Response Modelling Research School.  Funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the Swedish Research Council’s centres of excellence, this research school focuses on modelling adaptive mechanisms in living systems under stress. It offers an extensive complexity science course package for doctoral students.

This doctoral position presents a unique opportunity to join a cohort of other doctoral researchers in the research school and learn alongside each other in carefully designed courses that align with the excellence centre’s multidisciplinary theme. 

The program prepares next-generation computational biologists with strong complexity thinking and tools applicable to living systems across organizational scales, addressing major environmental and life sciences challenges. 

Courses will cover topics such as complexity science, mathematical modelling in evolution, ecology and plant biology, along with transferable skills, including interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. You will also be offered opportunities for research exchanges and form an integral part of the supportive and stimulating IceLab research environment. 

Join IceLab to work at the forefront of multidisciplinary science, integrating mathematical modelling and data science with diverse disciplines, including ecology, plant physiology, and molecular biology. Your research will deepen our understanding of how living systems respond to stress and environmental change, and we will help you grow and thrive in your scientific career.

Read more about IceLab and the host department for this PhD position, the department of Physics

Project description
Plant cells harbor two distinct membrane-enclosed organelles, mitochondria and chloroplasts, which are responsible for respiration and photosynthesis, respectively. The chloroplasts and mitochondria are functionally interconnected, and balancing their activities is crucial for plant health, especially during stress conditions.

Chloroplasts and mitochondria evolved from free-living prokaryotic organisms through independent endosymbiotic events, retaining their own genomes despite significant evolutionary changes. Over time, these organelles have undergone extensive genome reduction, with most of their genes being transferred to the nucleus. As a result, the majority of organellar proteins are encoded in the nucleus, creating a strong interdependence between the organelles and the nucleus. This interdependence presents a complex challenge, requiring precise coordination among the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts, which can be likened to a cellular 'three-body problem.'

This PhD project aims to uncover the signaling pathways plants use to coordinate activities among the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. The project will involve the development and application of theoretical mathematical models, with experimental data serving to validate the model predictions. Ultimately, the project seeks to decode this intricate cellular coordination mechanism. 

Terms of employment
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, including participation in research and doctoral courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%). The employment is limited to the equivalent of four years of full-time (48 months) or up to five years for teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary levels for PhD positions at Umeå University.

Competence requirements
To be admitted for studies at the third-cycle level, the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad or equivalent qualifications. 

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at the third-cycle level in CSE, the applicant is required to have completed courses at least 90 ECTS credits in CSE courses, of which at least 30 credits shall have been acquired at the second-cycle level. CSE courses refer to applied mathematics, computer science, physics or relevant fields. The requirements do not need to be fulfilled at the time of application but only at the enrollment.

The successful candidate should hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in mathematics, computer science, physics, or relevant fields. Excellent programming skills in modern programming languages are required, as well as experience in computational or mathematical modelling. Experience with the analysis of biological data is an advantage. The candidate should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and must be highly motivated and capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a research group. The candidate must be fluent in both oral and written English.

Application
The application should include the following:
1. A personal letter with a brief description of qualifications, research interests, and why you are interested in the position (max. 1 page)
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Certified copies of relevant degree diploma(s).
4. A list of university courses with grades. Note that for international applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
5. Copies of relevant work such as master’s thesis or articles you have authored or co-authored. If the master’s thesis has not been completed before the application deadline, a summary of the master’s thesis project and current progress shall be included. The summary can, at most, be five pages, including figures and references.
6. Your GMAT (or GRE) and TOEFL/IELTS test scores if available.
7. Contact information of three reference persons.

Applications must be submitted via e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 2025-02-16. All documents should be uploaded in pdf format.  

Information
For more information, contact Ludvig Lizana ludvig.lizana@umu.se , Åsa Strand asa.strand@umu.se, or Eric Libby, eric.libby@umu.se, 

We look forward to receiving your application!