PhD student at the Department of Infectious Medicine - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research group
The Division of Infection Medicine has modern research facilities at the Biomedical Center and comprises approximately 45 full-time employees working in 8 independent groups. In addition, about 40 researchers within employment within Region Skåne are affiliated with the Division. The research has a common theme; studies of host-bacteria interactions – clinical, molecular and cellular aspects. The scientific questions are addressed by researchers with competence in different areas; clinical medicine, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and immunology.

The proposed project is a collaboration between the Mattias Collin's group Infection and Immunomodulation, Rolf Lood's group Experimental Infection Medicine, and Lisa Påhlman's group Airways, pathogens, innate immunity, all part of the Division of Infection Medicine.

Within the department, we ensure a good working environment with respect and consideration in our relationships with each other. We are constantly working to create the conditions for job satisfaction, development and participation for all employees.

What we offer
Lund University is a public authority, which means that you will have special benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension. Read more on the University’s website about being a Lund University employee: work at Lund University

Work tasks and areas of responsibility
project description

The main questions that will be addressed in the project are:

1. What is the role of bacteriophage-carried antibiotic resistance genes during epidemic and endemic cholera outbreaks?
2. Can bacteriophages be induced in an antibiotic-specific manner, and is such induction correlated with carriage of unique resistance profiles?
3. Can inflammatory stress mediate induction of bacteriophages and contribute to low-grade spread of antibiotic resistance?
4. Can the microbial composition affect spread of antibiotic resistance, and how is this then mediated?

The student will mainly use methods related to molecular biology, microbiology, protein chemistry and cell culture. Materials will be collected from various sources (cells, water, patients), and microbes will be isolated, cultured, and characterized. Specifically, bacteriophages will be studied, and their ability to induce and spread antibiotic resistance. This includes some sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis, as well as possibly gene modification (knock-out).

Qualifications
Requirements:

• The applicant should have a second cycle degree (Masters or equivalent) of at least 240 ECTS in a relevant subject such as Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Infection Biology or Microbiology.
• Documented experience of work with environmental and/or clinical relevant bacteria.
• Documented ability to express yourself in written and spoken English.
• Ability do document research in a structured way.
• Good cooperability.
• Curiosity.
• Commitment.

Highly desirable:

• Hands on experience with ddPCR

Additional information
We are now looking for a PhD student at 100% for a time-limited employment of 4 years, according to HF ch. 5 § 7, with a desired start of 2023-10-01.

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

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.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.

Instructions for the application
You apply for the position via the University’s recruitment system. The application is to include a personal letter describing how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application is also to include a CV with a list of publications, a general description of previous research work, a copy of your doctoral degree and any other documents to which you wish to draw attention (copies of degree certificates, grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)