PhD Candidate in Molecular Biology

We are looking for a PhD candidate in molecular biology with an interest in microbial evolution and ecology at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University.

The position is temporary for four years, starting on September 1, 2025, or by agreement.

The PhD candidate will participate in activities within the Department of Molecular Biology, the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), and the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), enabling collaboration with researchers from various fields and with broad expertise.

Background and Description of Duties

The PhD candidate will use experimental evolution and high-throughput phenotypic characterization to investigate the effects of salt-induced cell clustering on the eco-evolutionary dynamics of different bacterial species and synthetic microbial communities. The genetic basis for salt-induced cell clustering will be investigated using genome sequencing, genetic engineering, screening of genetic libraries, and/or transcriptomics. Confocal microscopy and automated microbial live-cell imaging and analysis will be used to examine cell and cluster morphology. The scientific interests and background of the PhD candidate will be an important factor in shaping the project.

The employed PhD candidate will primarily focus on their own education. The project and research environment will provide the dedicated student with the opportunity to train as a first-class researcher.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a university degree at an advanced level or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at an advanced level.

To meet the specific eligibility requirements for admission to doctoral studies in molecular biology, the applicant must have completed course requirements of at least 90 credits in the main field of molecular biology, including courses in chemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, and microbiology. Additionally, courses corresponding to 30 credits at an advanced level in the subject area of molecular biology are required, including an independent project of at least 15 credits. To facilitate interdisciplinary initiatives, other qualifications than the applicant's subject-specific competence in molecular biology may be assessed to meet the requirement for specific eligibility.

You should be proficient in both oral and written communication in English.

Experience in experimental evolution, bacterial genetics, and genome sequencing with subsequent analysis is an advantage. Previous use of advanced microscopy techniques and image analysis, high-throughput cell/molecular biology, and analysis of large datasets are also valuable qualifications for the position. Furthermore, the applicant is expected to have acquired basic theoretical knowledge in microbial evolution and/or microbial ecology through university studies or other equivalent education.

You should be highly motivated, demonstrate good communication skills with group leaders and colleagues, and have the ability to collaborate effectively and work productively in a team as well as the ability to work independently. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

As a colleague with us, you contribute to promoting an inclusive culture and a positive work environment. This means you communicate effectively across differences, show willingness to collaborate, and demonstrate the ability to cooperate. You maintain openness and a welcoming attitude, as well as show respect, compassion, and empathy. You engage with and support colleagues from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and promote a healthy work-life balance for yourself and others.

Assessment Criteria

Assessment of the ability and potential to benefit from the education is primarily based on:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to doctoral studies in the research area.
• The ability to formulate and solve scientific questions.
• Skills in written and oral communication in English.
• Other experiences relevant to doctoral education, e.g., work experience.

Good collaborative skills, drive, and the ability to work independently are considered positive merits.

A selection will be made among qualified applicants based on their merits and their assessed potential to benefit from studies at the doctoral level.

After the selection process, the admission process for doctoral studies will begin.

Decisions on admission are made by the head of the department.

About the Position

The position aims for a doctoral degree and is temporary for four years full-time. If part-time teaching (max 20%) can be offered, the employment period will be extended.

Start date is September 1, 2025, or by agreement.

Salary placement is according to the established salary scale for doctoral positions. According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), the decision on employment cannot be appealed.

Application

You apply through our recruitment system by April 22, 2025. Your application should include the following documents written in English or Swedish:

• A CV with information about education, a list of previous and current employment,
• Copies of bachelor’s and/or master’s thesis, as well as other relevant publications if available.
• Copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed and obtained academic courses.
• A cover letter describing research experience and interests, motivation for applying to doctoral education.
• Contact details for two to three references.

Union information is provided by SACO, +46-(0)90-786 53 65, SEKO, +46-(0)90-786 52 96, and ST, +46-(0)90-786 54 31.

For questions about the position, contact peter.lind@umu.se (mailto:peter.lind@umu.se).

More About Us

More information about us can be found at http://www.umu.se/molbiol (http://www.umu.se/molbiol) and http://www.ucmr.umu.se (http://www.ucmr.umu.se).