Doctoral student in Biology with a focus in Molecular Microbiology

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:

• 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

• MSc in Biology or related area that to significant extent includes molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology
• Practical experience of work in microbiology, bacterial genetics and molecular biology
• Practical experience of advanced fluorescence microscopy
• Large interest in fundamental scientific research and experimental work in molecular biology
• Very good knowledge in English, both spoken and written, and ability to read and write academic texts in English
• Very good ability to work proactively and independently

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

• Experience of work with streptomycetes or similar bacteria
• Experience in image analysis, for example with Fiji.
• Experience in data management and statistics
• Knowledge and experience in bioinformatics
• Good grades from previous education

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 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).