PhD position in Medical Science

We are looking for a PhD student in Medical Science with an orientation towards Medical Biochemistry and a special interest in mito-cellular communication in yeast. The position at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University is temporary for four years to start during fall 2023 or as agreed.

The PhD student will participate in activities provided by the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, thus providing interaction with researchers from different research fields and access to various scientific and technical expertise. More information about the doctoral education program, which all PhD students attend, at the Faculty of Medicine can be found at Education at research level at the Medical Faculty – handbook (umu.se) .

Background and description of tasks

Mitochondria are unique organelles as they contain their own genome, mtDNA, that encodes for key components of the cell’s energy-producing machinery. Errors in the mtDNA can lead to cellular energy deficiency and manifest as e.g. mitochondrial disease or cancer. To facilitate future treatment of diseases caused by mtDNA errors, it is essential to understand how our cells normally guarantee the stable maintenance of this genome. The aim of this project is to characterize how mtDNA defects are signaled to the rest of the cell using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model.

A person who is employed as a PhD student shall primarily devote him-/herself to his/her own education. The project and research environment will give the dedicated student the opportunity to train as a first-class researcher. Our goal is to provide the supportive and inspiring environment required to ensure a good start to your research career.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a university degree equivalent to a European University Master’s degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 credit points, of which at least 60 credit points should be at second-cycle level.

You should be fluent in spoken and written English. English skills and the ability to benefit from the education will be evaluated by the postgraduate studies board of the department.

Qualifications

A strong background in cell biology, molecular biology or protein chemistry, as well as ample experience of laboratory work, are beneficial for the project. Experience in mitochondrial biology and of work with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are considered a merit.

Especially meritorious if the candidate has completed at least 30 credits in the main area of chemistry, 45 credits in the main areas of biology or molecular biology, and 22.5 credits in microbiology, physiology, and cell and molecular biology. Further meritorious if the candidate has also completed 45 credits at an advanced level in the subject area of cell and molecular biology.

You should be highly motivated and be able to work productively in an international team as well as independently. Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with senior colleagues and peers are required. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability, scientific reasoning, and the ability to write and understand scientific text.

Basis of assessment

The evaluation of the ability and potential to perform well is based primarily on:

Good collaborative skills, drive and independent work ability are considered as positive merits.

A selection will be made among qualified applicants on the basis of their qualifications and their ability to benefit from studies at the doctoral level. After the selection of the suitable candidate, the process for the admission to doctoral studies will commence. An admission decision will be taken by the faculty’s director of studies.

About the employment

The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree and is limited to four years full-time. If part-time teaching (max. 20%) can be offered, the employment period can be extended.

Start date 01-08-2023 or as agreed.

Wage placement takes place according to the established salary ladder for doctoral student employment.

According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), the decision on employment cannot be appealed.

How to apply

You apply through our recruitment system Varbi (https://umu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:597391/ ) at the latest 14-03-2023. Your application must contain the following documents written in English:

• A CV with information on education, a list of previous and current employments, and a list of publications
• Copies of relevant degrees
• A cover letter describing research experience and interests, motivation for applying for the position
• Contact details of two to three references.

Union information is available from:

SACO, +46-(0)90-786 53 65

SEKO, +46-(0)90-786 52 96

ST, +46-(0)90-786 54 31.

For questions regarding the position, contact [email protected] .

More about us

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37 000 students and about 4 700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. And the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is what it is all about. But also about delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. This is simply where the future is built.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/working-at-umea-university/ .

The Faculty of Medicine, which consists of 13 departments, is responsible for biomedical research and courses in the field of nursing and health care and has an extensive research and graduate education in more than 80 subjects.

You can find more information about the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics .