PhD Position in Chemistry with a Focus on Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry announces a PhD position in chemistry with a focus on biochemistry.

The dissertation project will focus on investigating the biosynthesis and modification of the cell wall in Chlorophyta microalgae. The position includes four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and graduate courses. The application deadline is May 20, 2025. Start date in October 2025 or by agreement.

Project Description and Responsibilities

Despite their potential as a sustainable raw material for biotechnological applications, the use of microalgae has been limited by high costs and energy-intensive processes, particularly in the extraction of valuable compounds from algal biomass. Microalgae are surrounded by a thick cell wall, making these processes challenging; the cell wall must first be broken down, removed, or enzymatically digested. Although knowledge of microalgal cell walls is crucial for making algal biotechnology both economically and energetically sustainable, very little is known about the varying cell walls of Chlorophyta, the green unicellular microalgae used in biotechnology.

Your research will focus on investigating the biosynthesis and modification of the cell wall in Chlorophyta. Using bioinformatics tools, you will identify key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the cell wall and analyze evolutionary pathways. Biochemical analyses will highlight how microalgal cell walls respond to stress. Furthermore, you will investigate carbon distribution in Chlorophyta to map the metabolic pathways from CO2 to the cell wall and use molecular biology methods to create algal strains with improved cell wall properties.

This project offers a unique opportunity to be an active part of an innovative and interdisciplinary research program at the intersection of plant research, biochemistry, and microalgal biotechnology.

Qualifications

To be admitted to the doctoral program, you must have completed a master's degree or have completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level, or have equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

To meet the specific eligibility requirements for doctoral studies in chemistry, at least 90 higher education credits in chemistry or another subject deemed directly relevant to the current specialization are required. Of these 90 higher education credits, at least 15 higher education credits must be at the advanced level within the specialization or a corresponding subject.

Additional Requirements:

• Solid background in biochemistry and interest in the described research area.
• Experience with standard methods in molecular biology and/or cell biology.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.

You need to have good communication skills, initiative, creativity, and attention to detail. It is important that you have the ability to work independently and in a group in an interdisciplinary environment.

Meritorious:

• Experience in microalgae cultivation in laboratory or pilot scale.
• Knowledge of biochemical techniques for the analysis of carbohydrates, lipids, or proteins.
• Skills in computational biology or biological modeling.
• Experience in research on cell walls in plants or other organisms.
• Proactivity and initiative.

Great emphasis will be placed on collaboration skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant's experiences and skills are assessed to contribute to successful doctoral studies.

Employment Conditions

The PhD position aims to lead to a doctoral degree. The main task is to conduct research studies, including participation in research and graduate courses. The tasks may include teaching and other departmental work (maximum 20%). The employment is limited to a total of four years of full-time studies (48 months) or up to five years with part-time work. Salary is set according to established salary levels for doctoral students. Start date in October 2025 or by agreement.

As an employee at Umeå University, doctoral students have access to social benefits such as parental leave, vacation, and occupational health care. Read more about employee benefits at Umeå University here: https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/).

Application

Applications are made via our e-recruitment system Varbi. The application deadline is May 20, 2025.

The application should be written in English or Swedish and include:

• A personal letter with a brief description of why you are applying for the position and how your qualifications and research interests are relevant to the described doctoral project (max 2 pages).
• A CV.
• Copies of degree certificates, transcripts, and other relevant documents.
• Copies of thesis or other publications (maximum 5).
• Contact information for at least two references.

Additional Information

For further information, please contact Christiane Funk, Christiane.Funk@umu.se (mailto:Christiane.Funk@umu.se).

Welcome with your application!

About Us

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with about 200 employees and strong, growing research. The department has four main research areas: Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic Chemistry, and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in KBC, the Chemical-Biological Center. Information about doctoral education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology's website: http://www.umu.se/forskning/forskarutbildning/kemiska-institutionen/ (http://www.umu.se/forskning/forskarutbildning/kemiska-institutionen/) For more information about working at Umeå University, visit: https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/).

Welcome with your application!