PhD position in Medical Science with orientation towards cell biology

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. Notably, 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 key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

PhD position in Medical Science with orientation towards cell biology  

We are looking for a PhD student in Medical Science with an orientation towards cell biology and an interest in structural mechanisms for protein-mediated remodeling of cellular membranes.  The position at the Department of Medical and Translational Biology at Umeå University is time-limited to four years starting in February 2024 or as agreed. 

The PhD student will participate in activities within the Department of Medical and Translational Biology, which enables collaboration with researchers from different research areas and with broad expertise. More information about the doctoral education program, which all PhD students attend at the Faculty of Medicine can be found at  

https://www.aurora.umu.se/en/organisation-and-management/organisation/faculties/faculty-of-medicine/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/  

Background and description of tasks 

The project aims at structural and mechanistic understanding of how peripheral membrane proteins bind and transform cellular membranes into small stable vesicles. Such vesicles are critical for many biological processes, e.g. viral replication and lipid sorting in mammalian cells. To this end, we will use purified recombinant proteins and lipid membranes reconstituted in vitro and measure protein-lipid interactions. Furthermore, the projects aim to determine the structure of membrane-bound protein complexes using cryogenic electron microscopy and single particle reconstruction and cryogenic electron tomography and subtomogram averaging. In addition, membrane remodeling will be studied using cellular model systems in combination with advanced fluorescence microscopy. 

A person who is employed as a PhD student shall primarily devote themself to their 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 

Basic eligibility for education at postgraduate level is for those who have completed a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at advanced level, or in some other way within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge. 

You must be fluent in both oral and written communication in English. The English skills and the ability to benefit from the education will be evaluated by the department's postgraduate education group prior to admission to postgraduate studies. 

Qualifications 

Previous experience of protein purification as well as generation of membrane model systems such as liposomes and supported bilayers is advantageous. You should be highly motivated, demonstrate good communication skills with team leaders and colleagues, and have the ability to collaborate effectively and work productively in an international team as well as having the ability to work independently. 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 cooperation skills, drive and ability to work independently are considered positive merits. 

A selection will be made among eligible applicants based on their merits and their assessed potential to benefit from studies at postgraduate level. 

After the selection process, the process of admission to postgraduate studies begins. Decisions on final admission are made 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 01-02-2024 or as agreed. 

Salary 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 at the latest 23-01-2024. 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 

For questions regarding the position contact [email protected]  

More about us 

You can find more information at  

https://www.umu.se/personal/richard-lundmark/ 

https://www.umu.se/forskning/grupper/richard-lundmark/ 

https://lundmark-lab.se/ 

https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/richard-lundmark/ 

https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-integrativ-medicinsk-biologi/