Doctoral student in Biology, Lunds Universitet, Sweden

ORGANISATION/COMPANY: Lunds universitet
RESEARCH FIELD: Biological sciences › Biology
RESEARCHER PROFILE: First Stage Researcher (R1)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 05/11/2021 23:59 – Europe/Brussels
LOCATION: Sweden › Lund
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Temporary
JOB STATUS: Full-time

Offer description

Doctoral student in Biology with specialisation in Microbiology

We are seeking a PhD student in Biology with specialisation in Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology. The PhD student will work in a research project on cell and developmental biology of bacteria that is supported by the Swedish Research Council.

The project aims to clarify molecular mechanisms that control growth, shape, and proliferation of bacterial cells, and that constitute possible targets for development of new antibiotics. Specifically, the project will study how cell polarity, polar growth, and cell division are regulated in members of the large group of Gram-positive bacteria that is termed Actinobacteria.

Advanced methods in bacterial genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and microscopy will be employed in the project. The work will be done with model organisms of large industrial and medical relevance, and will involve international and cross-disciplinary collaborations.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

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

• 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 he or she has:

• completed an independent research project (for example a degree project) on a relevant subject corresponding to at least 30 credits, and
• has good oral and written proficiency in English.

Additional requirements

In addition to the general mandatory requirements to be accepted for PhD education, the candidate should have:

• MSc in Biology or related area that to significant extent includes molecular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology
• Practical experience of work in microbiology, bacterial genetics, and molecular biology
• Large interest in fundamental scientific research and experimental work in molecular biology
• Very good knowledge in English, both spoken and written, and ability to read and write academic texts in English

In addition to the mandatory requirements, documented experience in the following areas will be considered as strong merits:

• Previous research experience or degree project that is directly relevant for the described project
• Practical experience of work with streptomycetes or similar bacteria
• Practical experience of work with advanced fluorescence microscopy
• Good communication skills
• Good grades from courses

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, organisational skills, independence, accuracy, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1.  Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.

2.  An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.

3.  Written and oral communication skills

4.  Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.
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.

Terms of employment

Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§. Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years.

A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications should be written in English and be compiled into a single PDF file containing:

1. Cover letter (your background, why you are interested in the position, and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background, your goals, and start date)

2. Résumé/CV, including specification of relevant education, courses, and experience.

3. A general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages).

4. Contact information of at least three references

5. Copy of the degree/certificate and grades for the MSc and BA studies

The following should also be attached as a separate file:

Your Master’s thesis or similar degree project

Requirements