Doktorand

Description of the workplace

We are looking for a full-time microbiology PhD student to work on the project ‘Bacteriophage-based ATMP for selective editing the oral microbiome’ co-funded by the National Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Research School. The project is hosted by the lab of Vasili Hauryliuk, Lund University, Department of Experimental Medical Science. The lab uses a combination of microbiological, biochemical and structural approaches to study interactions between bacteria and bacteriophages, with a special interest in antiphage defence systems. The lab closely collaborates with the bioinformatics lab led by Dr. Gemma Atkinson, https://atkinson-lab.com/. Co-supervisors are Julia Davies, Prodean/Professor of Oral Biology at Malmö University, and Marcus Johansson, associate researcher at Lund University.

Description of the project

Bacteria-infecting viruses, bacteriophages (or phages) hold great potential for selective engineering of polymicrobial communities such as those present in the oral cavity. The unique property of phage-based interventions is the ability to specifically target a bacterial species. To kill bacteria, phages need to overcome their defences such as CRISPR-Cas. Many new defence systems still await discovery and characterisation.  

Work duties and responsibilities

The main tasks of a doctoral student are to devote themselves to their doctoral education and therefore you will be both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

This experimental molecular microbiology project will involve – but not limited to – the following: i) isolation and characterisation of bacteriophages infecting bacterial species with cariogenic potential,

ii) investigations of phage-bacteria interactions, with a focus on mechanistic studies of novel antiphage defence systems,

iii) development of a phage ‘cocktails’ for 'editing' oral microbiota.

Qualifications

Requirements for admission are:

completed a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge good ability to make use of the postgraduate education

Specific admission requirements are:

• at least 60 credits in the field of medical science
• applicants must have a knowledge of English equivalent to at least a 3-year upper secondary school diploma.

Requirements for employment are:

• Experience in microbiology
• Experience in molecular cloning
• Basic understanding of bacteriophage biology
• Ability to conceive, execute, and complete research projects independently
• Good command of both written and spoken English

Meritorious for the position are:

• Experience in phage isolation and characterisation
• Experience in biochemistry or/and structural biology

Great importance will be placed on how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral program.

We offer

Lund University is a governmental authority, which means you get special benefits, generous holidays and a favorable occupational pension.

As a doctoral student at Lund University, you are both admitted as a student and an employee, which gives you several benefits. Read more about being admitted and employed at on the university's website. Read more about being employed with us on the university's website.

About the employment

The position is a fixed-term position for a total of four years, 100% with a start date of 2025-11-01 or as agreed. The main rule is that employment at Lund University is conducted in Sweden, so you are expected to be able to perform your work on site in Lund.

Provisions regarding employment as a doctoral student are found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7. Provisions regarding admission to doctoral studies are found in Chapter 6, Section 3, Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). More information is available on the university's website.

Additional information

For doctoral students, there is a specific salary scale linked to each faculty and salary is set according to the current salary scale.

How to apply

1. A cover letter (1 page) with the following:

- Motivation (1/2 page): Explain your interest in the project and motivation for applying

- Eligibility and experience (1/2 page): Explain how you fulfil the eligibility and expertise requirements, describe your previous relevant experience.

2. A CV (max 2 pages) with contact details of 2 referees
3. Bachelors and Masters certificates

Start date is by agreement, but before November 2025.

Lund University and the Hauryliuk lab see diversity as a strength and welcome applications from those with different backgrounds and experiences.

We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.

For more information contact Vasili Hauryliuk vasili.hauryliuk@med.lu.se or Marcus Johansson marcus.johansson@med.lu.se

More information about the Faculty of Medicin