Doctoral student in Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Work duties

We are seeking a PhD student to undertake research in microbiology and molecular cell biology. The PhD student will work in a research project on cell and developmental biology of bacteria that is supported by the Swedish Research Council. The project aims to clarify fundamental molecular mechanisms that shape a bacterial cell. It will specifically study how cell polarity and polar growth are established and regulated in members of the large group of Gram-positive bacteria that is termed Actinobacteria. Advanced methods in bacterial genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and microscopy will be employed in the project. The work will be done with model organisms of large industrial and medical relevance, and will involve international and cross-disciplinary collaborations.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Biology if he or she also has:

•  completed an independent research project (for example a degree project) on a relevant subject corresponding to at least 30 credits.

Additional requirements

In addition to the general mandatory requirements to be accepted for PhD education, the candidate should have:

• MSc in Biology or related area that to significant extent includes molecular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology.
• Very good knowledge in English, both spoken and written, and ability to read and write academic texts in English.
• Large interest in fundamental scientific research and experimental work in molecular biology.

In addition to the mandatory requirements, documented experience in the following areas will be considered as strong merits:

• Knowledge and practical experience in microbiology and microbial genetics.
• Practical experience of work in molecular biology and biochemistry.
• Practical experience in advanced fluorescence microscopy.
• Previous research experience or degree project in directly relevant topic.
• Good communication skills and good grades from courses.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, organisational skills, and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1) Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.

2) An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. 

3) Written and oral communication skills

4) Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Terms of employment

Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§. Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Contact person

For questions regarding the position or your application, please Contact Professor Klas Flärdh: +46462228584, klas.flardh@biol.lu.se.