PhD position in Molecular Biology

We are looking for a PhD student in Molecular Biology and a special interest in DNA repair in humans. The position at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University is temporary for four years to start immediately or as agreed.

The PhD student will participate in activities provided by the Department of Molecular Biology, the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), and the Umeå Centrum for Microbial Research (UCMR), thus providing interaction with researchers from different research fields and access to various scientific and technical expertise. 

Background and description of tasks

Integrity of the genome is critical to both the development and health of humans. Our chromosomes are constantly exposed to various types of DNA damage, which if unrepaired can cause diseases such as cancer. To meet these challenges, several DNA repair pathways have evolved. The Cohn laboratory is focused on understanding how these pathways work in human cells. We have discovered several new proteins playing important roles in these pathways. This PhD project has the goal to further elucidate the role of new components of the DNA repair pathways. It will do so through the application of state-of-the-art techniques in biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology, combined with world-class mass spectrometry and high-resolution live-cell imaging and structural biology. Examples of methods to be used by the successful applicant are recombinant protein purification, in vitro assays, CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering, various cell-based assays including sophisticated live-cell imaging, and cryo-EM. Please contact Martin Cohn (martin.cohn@umu.se) for details on the newest and most interesting ongoing projects. A person who is employed as a PhD student shall primarily devote his-/or herself to his/her own education. The project and research environment will give the dedicated student the opportunity to train as a first-class researcher.

Recent papers published by Ph.d. students from our group:

Yang, et al. Cell Rep. 2024.
Kupculak, et al. Cell Rep. 2023.
Socha, et al. Cell Rep. 2020.
Lopez-Martinez, et al. Cell Rep. 2019.

Qualifications

To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications. To meet the specific entry requirements for admission to third-cycle studies in molecular biology, the applicant must have completed course requirements of at least 90 credits in the main field of study molecular biology, including courses in chemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics and microbiology. In addition, courses equivalent to 30 credits at advanced level in the subject area of molecular biology are required, including an independent project of at least 15 credits.

To enable interdisciplinary initiatives and significant in-depth studies in certain areas related to molecular biology, qualifications other than the applicant's subject-specific competence in molecular biology may be assessed as meeting the specific entry requirements.

You must be proficient in both oral and written communication in English 

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.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. You should be highly motivated and able to work productively in a team as well as independently. Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively are required. 

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 be taken by the Head of Department.

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 date 1 May 2025 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.

Application

You apply through our recruitment system at the latest 31 January 2025. 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 martin.cohn@umu.se.

More about us

You can find more information at www.ucmr.umu.se and www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology/