Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.
Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.
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 specialisations. The PhD programme at the Department of Biology includes many of these specialisations, 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%.
This PhD position is focused on molecular microbiology and bacterial cell biology. The research project deals with mechanisms controlling growth, cell wall synthesis and cell polarity in bacteria. Specifically, it concerns actinomycetes, which, unlike other bacterial groups, exhibit polar growth and build their cell wall at the cell poles. This is how, for example, pathogens that cause tuberculosis and diphtheria grow, as well as streptomycetes, from which we get the majority of our antibiotics. The molecular mechanisms that control this polar growth are essential for viability of the organisms, but knowledge of them is very limited. They are of general cell biological significance and involve fundamental principles of how a cell is organized and how proteins are directed to specific sites in the cell. The project will investigate how proteins that control polar growth in Streptomyces bacteria form a subcellular organelle. Proteins that are part of the organelle will be identified and their function in regulating cell polarity and growth clarified.
The project will provide broad training and experience with advanced methods and approaches in microbial genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, fluorescence microscopy, and protein biochemistry.
Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:
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
In addition to the mandatory requirements, documented experience in the following areas will be considered as strong merits:
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:
Consideration will also be given to good teamwork, drive, independence, and good communication skills 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, copy of degree project (e.g. MSc thesis) and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation).
Type of employment | Temporary position |
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First day of employment | Preferable start date January 20th, 2025 or according to agreement |
Salary | Monthly salary |
Number of positions | 1 |
Full-time equivalent | 100 |
City | Lund |
County | Skåne län |
Country | Sweden |
Reference number | PA2024/3374 |
Contact |
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Union representative |
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Published | 07.Nov.2024 |
Last application date | 04.Dec.2024 11:59 PM CET |