Doctoral student in Biology with a focus on molecular genetics of telomeres

Description of the workplace

We are looking for a PhD student in molecular genetics interested in contributing to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that maintain telomeres. The research group is part of the Molecular Biosciences division at the Department of Biology. This is a molecular biology environment where we are studying the molecular details of various cellular life processes.

Being a doctoral student

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

More about being a doctoral student at the Faculty of Science at naturvetenskap.se Doctoral studies | Faculty of Science

Subject and project description

You will join the research group of Marita Cohn, in the subject area of Molecular Genetics, as part of the Molecular Biosciences division.

The research topic encompasses fundamental research on molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the maintenance of telomere function in eukaryotic model systems. Telomeres are the chromatin structures protecting the ends of chromosomes and are normally maintained by the enzyme telomerase. However, telomerase-deficient cells may restore telomere function by using recombination-based pathways, so-called Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT). The PhD project will focus on elucidation of the genetic requirements and the molecular mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of telomeres in yeast cells, where both telomerase-dependent and ALT pathways are involved. In this project, you will perform laboratory experiments using various molecular biology and biochemical methods and molecular genetic approaches. Moreover, to elucidate the telomere maintenance mechanisms, you will employ bioinformatics and computational analyses of DNA and RNA sequences.

• Link to general study plan for Biology: Study plan

Work duties

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral education, which mainly consists of writing a doctoral thesis.

Within the research project you will use different methods to study the molecular processes of telomere maintenance in detail, perform data analysis, summarize the results and study the scientific literature. You are expected to contribute to the planning, execution and analysis of the experiments, as well as to writing of scientific papers and grant applications. As a researcher, you will also present your research results by participating in seminars and international conferences. You are expected to collaborate with other PhD students/students on experiments, as well as supervise undergraduate students and interns in the laboratory. The doctoral training also includes some mandatory courses and voluntary special courses that contribute to your development in solving and presenting scientific questions.

In addition to studies, a maximum of 20% of working time may be spent on teaching and other departmental work. You will participate in the teaching of Molecular Genetics, participate in organizing the laboratory, as well as handle administrative duties and project economy.

Qualifications

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• 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 the applicant has:

• completed an independent work (e.g. degree project) in a relevant subject comprising at least 30 higher education credits and have good oral and written proficiency in English. The special qualification may also have been obtained through other equivalent education, which is assessed on a case-by-case basis. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and significant in-depth studies in certain areas, qualifications other than the applicant's subject-specific competence in Biology may be taken into account.

Additional requirements

In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• university studies including chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics.
• The applicant must have a master's degree in molecular biology or molecular genetics, or a related subject such as cell biology, biochemistry or biotechnology. Both theoretical and practical skills are of great importance.
• experience of experimental laboratory work in molecular biology and/or molecular genetics.
• highly motivated with strong ability to work independently as well as to cooperate and collaborate within a research group.
• Important qualities are also creative problem-solving ability and being independent, stress tolerance and endurance, as well as a deep interest in the chosen thesis topic.
• good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• good written and oral communication skills
• good ability to cooperate
• very good knowledge of English, spoken and written

Selection criteria

The selection of eligible applicants will be made taking into account the ability to benefit from the training based on the following criteria:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the educational subject. The evaluation is primarily based on study results on basic and advanced levels.
• Assessed ability to work independently and ability to formulate and address scientific problems.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Theoretical as well as practical skills are highly valued, such as the ability to analyze and develop theoretical models and to design and perform experiments. 
• Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, for example professional experience.
• Consideration will also be given to strong collaborative skills, drive, self-motivation 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 program.

We offer
Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

Our department offers an inclusive, dynamic and creative work environment, with highly functional well-equipped laboratories. Regular research seminars and symposia with international speakers bring good opportunities for picking up new research achievements and developments. Within the research group we discuss current theoretical and practical issues related to the research topic and together make new developments.

More about working at Lund University on lu.se. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university

About the employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting September 1st 2026 or as agreed. Third cycle studies at Faculty of Science consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University’s Staffpages. https://www.staff.lu.se/research-and-education/research-support/doctoral-education/terms-employment-doctoral-students

How to apply

The application should be written in English and you must attach to your application:

• CV and personal letter with a justification of why you are interested in the training place/employment and in what way the research project matches your interests and your educational background.
• Copies of issued study certificates and diplomas. These should prove your basic and special eligibility for the doctoral education subject and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral education project.
• A PDF copy of your master’s degree thesis.
• Other information that you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

We welcome your application!