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

Subject description

Pathogenic atypical mycobacteria are environmental opportunistic pathogens causing disseminated or chronic pulmonary diseases in patients with immunosuppression or underlying respiratory disorders. As atypical mycobacteria are resistant to many antibiotics and disinfectants, both the prevention and treatments of these infections are very challenging. With the global increase of infections caused by atypical mycobacteria, further understanding of the basic biology of these pathogens and virulence is fundamental to design specific diagnostic tests and effective therapeutic strategies in the future.

Atypical mycobacteria can survive in a vast range of environments from being free-living in water or soil, amoeba- or biofilm associated or within a susceptible host in the case of pathogenic species. This capacity relies on the sensing of environmental signals and epigenetic changes that are currently poorly characterized. Importantly, this plasticity can lead to a virulent phenotype and an ability to modulate the host immune system and establish an infection.

Work duties

We are seeking a PhD candidate to undertake research in infection biology and microbiology. The project conducted by the candidate will focus on Mycobacterium avium, the most prevalent pathogenic species. The candidate will investigate the regulation of phenotypic changes of M. avium and explore how these changes impact host innate immune responses. For this work, the candidate will use both in vitro cell culture systems and in vivo models, as well as methods in basic molecular genetics, cell biology and immunology.

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 has:

• passed an independent project (e.g., degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject and have good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programs will be assessed individually.
• To enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specializations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Biology may be considered for admission.

Additional requirements:

• Master's degree in Molecular cell biology, Microbiology, or Infection biology and documented education in molecular biology and microbiology at an advanced level.
• Practical experience from working in a BSL2-facility with pathogenic mycobacteria
• Practical experience from generating and working with mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages and neutrophils.
• Practical experience with some of the following techniques: quantitative RT PCR, ELISA, WB, flow cytometry.
• Practical experience with in vivo mouse model.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
   

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

• Practical experience from working with Mycobacterium avium infection models
• Practical experience with graphic design/image processing (ex: Photoshop and ImageJ).

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.
 

Other assessment criteria:

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive 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.

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 be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

1)  Cover letter (2 pages maximum) stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.

2) CV (3 pages maximum including a list of publications and contact informations of at least two referees)

3) Certificate of Bachelors and Master’s degrees (or transcripts)