PhD

Description of the workplace

The Molecular Neurogenetics research group at the Department of Experimental Medical Science within the Faculty of Medicine is currently conducting research on the human brain and its relationship to disease, and is at the international forefront in its field. You can read more about our projects on our website. 

The research group is led by Professor Johan Jakobsson and includes 14 additional staff members. The group is international and comprises staff in research, administration and technology. We are now looking for a new doctoral student for a project focusing on how epigenetic mechanisms control repetitive DNA sequences and their impact on the hereditary neurodegenerative disease X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism (XDP). As a workplace, we value a good working environment with respect and consideration in our relationships with each other.

 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.

As a doctoral student in the research group, you will participate in a research project focusing on epigenetic mechanisms and their role in the hereditary neurodegenerative disease XDP. Your tasks will include designing, performing and interpreting experiments using a wide range of molecular biology techniques and advanced bioinformatic analysis.

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

Requirements for employment are:

• Good knowledge of working with various molecular biology techniques and stem cell cultures
• Experience of research on the human brain
• Experience of working together in a team environment
• Good scientific ability to plan and analyse experiments
• Good ability to work well in collaborative projects both within the group and with other research groups and disciplines
• Positive attitude and driven to succeed
• Good ability to present research in speech and writing
• Good knowledge of English, both spoken and written

Meritorious for the position are:

• Knowledge of cellular mechanisms related to neurodegenerative diseases
• Previous experience of research on XDP and/or transposable elements

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. 

About the employment

The position is a fixed-term position for a total of four years, 100% with a start date of March 1st 2026 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

The position is sought via the university’s recruitment system. Applications should include a personal motivation letter, in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application should also contain a diploma, CV or equivalent and anything else you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

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§.