Vacant job

Join our team to explore how inflamed tissues communicate with immune cells, and help develop new experimental platforms to understand these processes.

About us

The Department of Life Sciences and Engineering at Chalmers conducts research, innovation, and education to enable a biobased society and improve human health. We explore how biological systems and innovative technologies can be used to convert biomass into valuable products. We use advanced computational technologies to discover how biomolecules and organisms function and interact. We pioneer new methods for the prediction, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment of diseases.

About the research project

This project focuses on understanding how biochemical and structural changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) during inflammation influence immune cell activation. You will develop controlled model systems that integrate tissues, ECM-modifying enzymes, and immune cells to study nanoscale alterations, glycosylation changes, and damage-associated signals (DAMPs). The platform enables systematic investigation of ECM–immune interactions and provides a foundation for designing future biomaterials and therapeutic strategies.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (120 ECTS) or a Master’s degree (60 ECTS)* in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience in experimental laboratory work in molecular biology, biomaterials, cell biology, or biochemistry.
• Strong analytical thinking, curiosity, and the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

*For students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Experience with cell culture and immune cell assays.
• Experience with biomaterials, extracellular matrix models, or tissue engineering.
• Familiarity with nanomaterials, glycoscience, or advanced imaging techniques.
• Experience with data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar).

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate School of Bioscience.
• The position generally also includes teaching at Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours.
• Develop and characterize experimental ECM-based model systems.
• Perform cell-based assays to study immune activation.
• Investigate nanoscale and biochemical changes in ECM during inflammation.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data.
• Communicate your results in scientific publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with researchers across disciplines.

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from the start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1, 2026).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise, the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working with us (https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/) and our benefits and conditions (https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/chalmers-as-an-employer/benefits-and-conditions/) for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare, etc. at Move to Gothenburg (https://www.movetogothenburg.com/).

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as GENIE (Gender Initiative for Excellence) (https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/organisation-and-governance/equality/genie-gender-initiative-for-excellence/). We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here (https://www.chalmers.se/en/research/we-train-new-researchers/about-doctoral-studies/).

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF files, as listed below. The maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with transcripts.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than June 15.