Vacant job

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a PhD student in chemistry with a focus on biochemistry. The doctoral project will focus on the structural and molecular biology of mosquito-borne pathogenic viruses. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, which entails independent research and participation in courses at the graduate level. The application deadline is July 13, 2026. Start date is September 28 or as agreed.

Project Description and Responsibilities

The PhD student will investigate the replication and assembly of mosquito-borne RNA viruses. This includes studies of both virion architecture and viral factories in infected cells. The project combines virological and structural biology methods and includes training in data collection and processing from cellular cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET).

We offer a collaborative environment and work closely with experts in virology, both locally and internationally. At the Department of Chemistry, there is the Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy (UCEM), which provides access to local training and state-of-the-art facilities for cryo-electron microscopy, including cryo-focused ion beam milling (FIB). Our research group has good funding and extensive resources for access to cryo-EM, computing resources, and laboratories with the appropriate biosafety level.

The PhD student will have co-supervision within the group led by Anna Överby Wernstedt, experts on arthropod-borne diseases. We value diversity and different perspectives in our team and actively work to create an inclusive and supportive research environment.

More information about our lab: https://renner-lab.com/ (https://renner-lab.com/)

Qualifications and Requirements

Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed an advanced level degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.

To meet the requirement for special eligibility to be admitted to graduate education in chemistry, the applicant must have basic higher education of at least 90 higher education credits in chemistry or other subjects assessed as directly relevant to the current focus. Of the 90 higher education credits, at least 15 higher education credits at advanced level within the focus, or equivalent, must be included. The prerequisites for prior knowledge as stated above are also considered met by those who have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in another order. The eligibility requirements must be met at the time of admission, but do not need to be met when you submit your application.

Other requirements are:

• Knowledge and experience in biochemistry, structural biology, and molecular biology (e.g., cloning, protein purification, cell culture).
• Good ability to express oneself in speech and writing in English.

Merits:

• Experience in infection biology.
• Experience with the Linux operating system.
• Knowledge and previous experience in virology.

We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate who is eager to explore scientific questions and develop as an independent researcher. Important prerequisites are a strong interest in infection biology and a commitment to working both in a laboratory environment and with extensive data processing.

You should be able to take initiative and gradually drive your own work forward, while taking advantage of supervision and support from your supervisors. The position requires the ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others in a supportive and respectful research environment, where you contribute to common goals within the team.

About the Position

The position aims at a doctoral degree, and the PhD student's main task is to engage in their doctoral education, which includes participation in the research project described above as well as in doctoral education courses. Teaching and other departmental work (max 20%) may be included in the duties. The employment is time-limited to four years full-time or up to five years with part-time teaching.

Salary placement is according to the established salary scale for PhD positions. The employment starts September 28, 2026 or as agreed.

As an employee at Umeå University, PhD students are covered by benefits such as parental leave, vacation, and occupational health care. Read more about benefits here:

https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/ (https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/).

Application

You apply via our recruitment system no later than July 13, 2026. The application should consist of the following documents written in English (preferred) or Swedish:

• A brief description of why you are applying for the position and how your qualifications and experience are relevant to the project described above (maximum two pages),
• curriculum vitae (CV)
• copy of degree certificate including documentation of completed higher education courses, grades, and any additional certificates or letters of recommendation relevant to the project,
• copy of thesis and any publications (maximum five),
• add if anything else should be included or leave blank
• name and contact information for at least two reference persons

The application documents must be in MS Word or PDF format.

More Information

For more information, contact Assistant Professor Max Renner, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

About Us

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology and has nearly 200 employees, including approx. 40 doctoral students and strong and expanding research. Four major research areas, Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic Chemistry, and Technical Chemistry, gather the department's research and education in chemistry. We are also a strong partner within KBC, the Chemical-Biological Centre. Information about the department's doctoral education can be found on our website: www.umu.se/teknisk-naturvetenskaplig-fakultet/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/kemi/ (http://www.umu.se/teknisk-naturvetenskaplig-fakultet/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/kemi/).

More information about being employed at Umeå University: https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/)

Open to all
We focus on your competence, not your other prerequisites. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.