PhD position at The Department of Molecular Biology - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

PhD position in Molecular Biology

We are looking for a PhD student in Molecular biology, with a focus on molecular microbiology. The position is at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University and is temporary for four years to start in May 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), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR) and the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine.

PhD Projekt

Most bacteria are surrounded by a mesh-like cell wall, which protects them from osmotic lysis and determines cell shape. The cell wall, composed primarily of peptidoglycan (PG), is constantly remodelled to facilitate growth and adaption to the environment. This results in the liberation of PG fragments to the periplasmic space which are either released to the environment, where they may have far-reaching consequences, or transported into the cytoplasm for degradation and incorporation into nascent PG precursors in a process termed PG recycling.

This PhD project aims to elucidate new pathways and players in peptidoglycan recycling, in order to improve our understanding of the purpose and dynamics of this process. The recruited PhD student will employ state of the art UPLC-MS assays, transposon-sequencing screening and live microscopy along with other biochemical and molecular biology techniques.

Eligibility

To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is 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. Required is a minimum of 30 credits in chemistry, including at least 7.5 credits biochemistry; 45 credits in biology or molecular biology with at least 7.5 credits in genetics and 22,5 credits in microbiology, physiology and cell-and molecular biology. Additionally, at least 45 credits from second cycle studies in cell- and molecular biology including an independent work of at least 15 credits is required. You also need to be fluent in spoken and written English, which will be evaluated by the postgraduate studies board of the department.

Qualifications

You should be highly motivated and able to work productively in a team as well as independently. Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with senior colleagues and peers are required.

The successful applicant has experience in standard molecular microbiology techniques including DNA cloning and protein purification. Experience in LC-MS is an advantage.

Basis of assessment

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 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 not be taken by the faculty’s director of studies until an individual study plan has been approved by the departmental admission board.

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.

Access May 2019 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.

How to apply

You apply through our recruitment system. 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 one 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 Felipe Cava, felipe.cava@umu.se.

More about us

The Cava lab is based at Department of Molecular Biology and is part of The Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS, www.mims.umu.se), which is the Swedish node within the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. For more information please contact Felipe Cava, felipe.cava@umu.se. For more information about The Department of Molecular Biology, please visit our website  www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology.