PhD position in Chemistry, with a specialization in biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry is opening a PhD position in Chemistry with a specialization in biochemistry. The thesis project will focus on drug resistance mechanisms in microbiome species. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. The last day to apply is 15 May 2025. Starting date is 1 September 2025 or by agreement.

Project description and tasks

Bacteria exist in many phyla and classes, and despite their abundance in our microbiome, many remain poorly characterized at the molecular level. A clearer understanding of how pathogenic and commensal bacteria differ at the molecular level is needed. This PhD project will primarily focus on how lipidated proteins are transported in Gram-negative bacteria, a mechanism crucial for bacterial survival and a potential target for new antibiotics.

You will use molecular biology and biochemical techniques to express and purify proteins from different bacterial groups. Subsequently, you will compare their structural and functional properties. Your tasks will include protein purification and biochemical analyses to study protein structure and function (e.g., X-ray crystallography, NMR, cryo-electron microscopy). Additionally, you will investigate how these proteins interact with each other and with various antibiotics or other small molecules using techniques such as ITC and BLI. A third part of the project will analyze how bacteria are affected by these molecules.

At Umeå University, you will be part of a dynamic research environment at the Department of Chemistry and the Umeå Center for Microbial Research (UCMR). You will have access to advanced research infrastructures for various types of microscopy, protein expression, protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and biomolecular characterization. In addition to research, participation in doctoral courses is included.

Qualifications

To be admitted to studies at third-cycle level, you are required to meet at least one of the following criteria:

Have completed a second-cycle level degree (master's degree), Have completed at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, Have an equivalent foreign education or have acquired equivalent qualifications in another way.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in chemistry, you are required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry or another subject considered to be directly relevant to the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level within the specialization or an equivalent subject.

Additional requirements:

• Basic laboratory experience.
• Knowledge in biochemistry or related fields.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Meriting qualifications:

• Practical experience in biochemical and molecular biology techniques (e.g., protein purification).
• Hands-on experience in protein structure and function analysis (e.g., NMR, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM) and/or analytical chemistry (e.g., ITC).
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate within the research group.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for presenting research findings.
• Commitment and motivation to complete a four-year PhD program.

About the 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 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 (20%). The employment starts 1 September 2025 or according to agreement.

As employees at Umeå University PhD students are granted social benefits such as parental leave, holiday leave, and occupational health services. Read more about the benefits of being an employee at Umeå University here: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/.  

Salary is set in accordance with the established salary levels for PhD positions.

Application

You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. The deadline for applications is 15 May 2025.

The application, written in English or Swedish, should include:

• a personal letter structured in a way that starts with a brief description of why you are applying for the position, followed by what is your educational background and what experience you have (e.g., techniques that you have experience with), and how your qualifications and research interests are relevant to the doctoral project described above (no more than 1 page, and composed without using AI).
• a curriculum vitae,
• copies of degree certificates, diplomas or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, grades obtained, and other certificates of relevance to the described project,
• copies of student theses on advance level or other publications (no more than 5)
• contact information for at least two reference persons.

Further information

Further information is provided by Karina Persson (karina.persson@umu.se) or by visiting the group’s webpage  https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/karina-persson-lab/ and

https://www.biostruct.umu.se/principal-investigators/karina-persson/

Welcome with your application!

About us

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees and strong and expanding research. The Department has four major research areas: Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic chemistry and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/.