PhD Student in Medical Science - Oral Microbiome and Microbial Ecology

Umeå Universitet · Full-time

Umeå universitet, Umeå, Sweden

You who are admitted to doctoral education at the Faculty of Medicine will be part of the faculty-wide doctoral education program. The program comprises 25 credits and is offered at two study rates: 25 credits over 8 terms (total 4 years) or over 12 terms (total 6 years), with program start each autumn and spring term. More information about the program can be found on the faculty's website for doctoral education (Doctoral Education) National Research School for Biomedical Analysts Umeå University participates in the research school Biomedical Analyst for eXcellence (BioLabX), a national research school that is a collaboration between seven Swedish universities with Uppsala University as the main responsible institution. You can read more about the research school in the announcement on our website Vacancies at Umeå University https://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-jobb/ Project Description The oral microbiome constitutes a complex and dynamic microbial ecosystem that plays a central role in oral and systemic health. The composition and function of microorganisms are affected by both the surrounding environment and the host's biological conditions. Genetic factors in humans can explain a significant portion of the variation in the presence of certain oral microorganisms. Despite this, the biological mechanisms behind these associations remain largely unknown. New comprehensive genetic association studies have identified specific genetic loci in humans that are linked to variation in the oral microbiome. These findings create new opportunities to move from statistical associations to an understanding of the functional mechanisms that connect host genetics to microbial ecology. The project "Oral microbiome – host genetics and microbial ecology" focuses on how genetically determined variations in, for example, saliva composition, glycan presentation, and host tissues affect microorganisms' adhesion, biofilm formation, and function. The goal is to identify and characterize the mechanisms through which the host shapes the oral microbial ecosystem. The project combines experimental and bioinformatic approaches and the work will include, among other things: genetic and molecular biological analyses, Nanopore-based sequencing, analysis and integration of microbiome data and clinical data, experimental studies of microbial adhesion and biofilm formation, analysis of carbohydrates and proteins relevant to host-microbe interactions, protein profiling of extracellular/outer membrane vesicles. Admission Requirements To be admitted to doctoral education, the applicant must have basic eligibility and special eligibility as stated below and be assessed to have the ability otherwise required to complete the education. Basic Eligibility Basic eligibility for doctoral education is held by those who have completed a degree at an advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp at an advanced level, or who in some other way within or outside the country have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge (HF 7 Chapter 39§). Eligibility requirements must be met at the time of admission, but do not need to be met when the application is submitted. Special Eligibility To be admitted to doctoral education, the applicant must have the necessary knowledge from higher education or equivalent education assessed in relation to the doctoral education field as well as necessary English language skills. For this position, a completed biomedical analyst degree that is supplemented with a master's education is required. Both written and oral language skills are intended. Assessment of these skills is made through the application being written in English and parts of the interview being conducted in English. Other Qualifications We are looking for you who have a strong interest in experimental research, work carefully and systematically, and have good problem-solving skills, have the ability to work both independently and with others. Meritorious It is meritorious to have experience of and/or knowledge within microbiota and microbiome analysis, sequencing and analysis of sequence data, PCR and TaqMan-based analyses, molecular biological and microbiological laboratory methods, basic programming or bioinformatics, work with clinical or biomedical data. Consideration will also be given to how the applicant's previous education and experience are assessed to provide good prerequisites for completing doctoral education and developing as an independent researcher. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. Consideration will also be given to reference checks, employment interviews, and other possible testing of main candidates. Terms of Employment The workplace is at the Department of Odontology, where subject-specific education and supervision are conducted. The employment is a full-time doctoral student position for four years or part-time equivalent to up to five years. Application Applications must be made through our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received no later than October 15, 2026. Applicants to doctoral education must submit a written application in English. A complete application must contain: Personal letter summarizing your scientific interest and motivation for applying for the position (max 2 pages) CV/list of qualifications Diploma for biomedical analyst degree and diploma for supplementing master's education Theses/other publications. Possible other qualifications relevant to employment. Contact information for two reference persons. Please note that incomplete applications will not be reviewed. According to the Higher Education Ordinance (12 Chapter 2§), the decision on employment cannot be appealed. Other Information Further information is provided by Anders Esberg, [email protected], 070–6295572. Salary Placement Salary in accordance with the established salary scale for doctoral student positions. https://www.umu.se/regelverk/personal-lika-villkor-och-arbetsmiljo/doktorandavtal-2025-10-01-2026-10-01/ Welcome with your application!