Doctoral student in Applied Microbiology with a focus on DNA analysis - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

The subject of Applied Microbiology concerns basic and applied research with applications in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical engineering and environmental engineering industries. The research involves work in genetics, biochemistry and fermentation technology using microorganisms. Genetic engineering applications are of particular interest, such as genetic modification of the metabolism of microorganisms in industrial processes and DNA-based analysis techniques. The current project focuses on increasing the understanding of the limitations of DNA analysis, specifically in the analysis of small amounts of DNA in complex backgrounds, and is carried out in collaboration with the Swedish National Forensic Center. Parts of the project will be performed in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaitherburg, USA.

Work duties

In vitro DNA polymerization is the backbone of modern nucleic acid analysis, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods and sequencing. PCR is governed by several biochemical and biophysical functions and reactions, e.g., DNA-DNA interactions and DNA polymerase activity. Presently, there is limited understanding of how the different functions and reactions are affected on a mechanistic level by the reaction conditions. This limits the possibility to develop optimal methods for analysis of minute amounts of low-quality DNA for applications in for example forensic DNA analysis and clinical diagnostics. In the project, the different functions and reactions will be studied individually under different physical and biochemical conditions.

We are looking for a person who is inventive and thorough with an interest for problem solving. The project is based on laboratory experiments linked to the various steps that make up the DNA analysis of today and tomorrow. You will plan and perform experiments with techniques such as qPCR, digital PCR, capillary electrophoresis, high resolution melting, massively parallel sequencing, fluorometry and isothermal titration calorimetry. You will also manage and compile large amounts of data using various software. Some of the work may be performed at NFC in Linköping or at NIST in USA.

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 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 the applicant:

• 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 Applied Microbiology if the applicant has:

• at least 30 credits in the subject (bioscience), of which at least 15 credits from the second cycle and a specialised project of at least 15 second-cycle credits in the subject, or
• an MSc in Engineering, other Master’s degree or other comparable degree including applied bioscience
  

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the 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.

Other assessment criteria:

• Practical experience of working with PCR-based techniques such as conventional PCR, qPCR and digital PCR in a routine or research laboratory
• Practical experience of massive parallel sequencing and bioinformatics
• Experience in using the programming language R or similar for statistical calculations and for compiling data

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

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH 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.)

You are also asked to answer the selection questions.