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

Subject description

Biology is the broad subject about all living things. It encompasses everything from processes at the molecular and cellular level to global processes at ecosystem level. The subject is divided into a range of sub-disciplines and specializations. The PhD programme at the Department of Biology includes many of these specializations, from molecular biology to applied ecology, from viruses and individual cells to evolutionary biology and global biodiversity. Taking on research studies at the Department of Biology generally means focusing on a delimited part of the research area of biology and may include field studies, experiments, theoretical studies, or a combination of these.

Work duties

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 can also include teaching and other departmental duties, up to 20%.

Streptococcus pyogenes is a major human pathogen causing about 700 million cases of disease annually. The goal of the PhD project is to investigate how the type I interferon response is regulated during S. pyogenes infection, and to elucidate how it impacts on inflammation.

The project will primarily involve detailed mechanistic analyses of host-pathogen interactions in infected macrophages of mouse and human origin. To this end we will employ genetic, pharmacological and biochemical approaches. In addition, the project will aim to understand the role of identified host-pathogen interactions on virulence in human populations.

This collaborative project is suitable for a driven candidate with a strong background and interest in infection biology, host-pathogen interactions, immunology and molecular biology.

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 (for example a degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject and have good oral and written proficiency in English.

Additional requirements

• A MSC in molecular biology focused on infection biology and host-pathogen interactions.
• Documented education/experience in immunology, molecular genetics, microbiology and cell biology.
• Documented education/experience in laboratory animal care.
• Documented experience in working with pathogenic bacteria in a BSL2-facility.
• Practical experience in immunological techniques, including RTqPCR, ELISA, Western blot and flow cytometry.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively and independently.

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

• Demonstrated ability to work both independenty and as part of a professional team.
• Experience in setting up and optimizing new assays.
• Experience in working with regulation of cytokine responses.
• Experience in working with clinical strains of Gram-positive pathogens.
• Experience in cell culture of human and mouse cells, including generation and maintenance of primary immune cells.
• Experience in working with host-pathogen interactions in cell cultures.

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:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, for example professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to strong 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 programe.

Terms of employment

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 postgraduate education programme 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 (contact information for your references).