PhD student in Medical Science – Oral Microbiome Eco-Mechanics

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Umeå University, Faculty Office of Medicine

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 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.

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The Faculty of Medicine, which consists of 12 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.

All doctoral students admitted to the Faculty of Medicine participate in the Faculty-wide doctoral education programme. The programme comprises 25 credits and is offered at two study rates: 25 credits over eight semesters, corresponding to four years of full-time study, or over twelve semesters, corresponding to six years of part-time study. Admission to the programme takes place each autumn and spring semester.

Project description and duties

Are you a biomedical laboratory scientist with a strong interest in experimental research in microbiology, molecular biology and microbiome science? Would you like to investigate how human genetic variation influences the oral microbiome and contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying health and disease?

We are offering a PhD position within the national doctoral school BioLabX, as part of the research project “Oral Microbiome Eco-Mechanics—Host Genetics and Microbial Ecology.”

The project integrates human genetics, molecular biology, microbiology and microbiome analysis to investigate how host genetic factors shape the oral microbial ecosystem. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary research environment and will have the opportunity to develop expertise in a broad range of experimental and analytical approaches.

Umeå University participates in Forskarskolan Biomedicinsk analytiker för eXcellens (BioLabX), a national doctoral school established through collaboration between seven Swedish universities, with Uppsala University as the coordinating university.

The doctoral school aims to educate the next generation of researchers and teachers in biomedical laboratory science. At Umeå University, the initiative includes two PhD positions for candidates with a background in biomedical laboratory science who have complemented their undergraduate education with a master’s degree.

The PhD students will become part of a national network together with doctoral students from the other participating universities. The programme includes training in pedagogy, methodological development, supervision, project management and assessment of clinical components.

The PhD student will also participate in local teaching at Umeå University, providing opportunities to develop broad pedagogical and supervisory skills.

Research project

The oral microbiome is a complex and dynamic microbial ecosystem that plays an important role in both oral and systemic health. Its composition and function are influenced by environmental factors as well as by the biological characteristics of the host.

Human genetic factors explain a substantial proportion of the variation in the abundance of certain oral microorganisms. However, the biological mechanisms underlying these associations remain largely unknown.

Recent large-scale genetic association studies have identified specific human genetic loci associated with variation in the oral microbiome. These findings create new opportunities to move beyond statistical associations and investigate the functional mechanisms linking host genetics to microbial ecology.

The Oral Microbiome Eco-Mechanics project focuses on how genetically determined variation in factors such as saliva composition, glycan presentation and host tissue characteristics influences microbial adhesion, biofilmformation and microbial function. The overall aim is to identify and characterise the mechanisms through which the host shapes the oral microbial ecosystem.

The project combines experimental and bioinformatic approaches in human genetics, molecular biology, microbiology and microbiome analysis. Depending on the development of the project, the work may include:

• genetic and molecular analyses, including TaqMan-based assays and copy-number variation analysis;
• Nanopore-based sequencing, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomic sequencing and sequencing of selected human genomic regions;
• analysis and integration of microbiome and clinical data;
• experimental studies of microbial adhesion and biofilm formation;
• analysis of carbohydrates and proteins involved in host–microbe interactions; and
• protein profiling of extracellular and outer membrane vesicles.

As a PhD student, you will have the opportunity to develop expertise across several complementary methodological areas and progressively take independent responsibility for parts of the research project.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to doctoral education, applicants must meet the general and specific entry requirements described below and be considered to have the ability required to successfully complete the doctoral programme.

Applicants meet the general entry requirements if they have:

• completed a degree in biomedical laboratory science and a complementary master’s degree; or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge through education or professional experience in Sweden or abroad.
• The eligibility requirements must be fulfilled no later than the time of admission. They do not, however, need to be fulfilled when the application is submitted.

Admission to doctoral education requires knowledge acquired through higher education or equivalent training that is relevant to the doctoral research area, as well as proficiency in English.

Applicants must have both written and spoken English proficiency. This will be assessed based on the English-language application and during parts of the interview, which will be conducted in English.

We are looking for a candidate who:

• has a strong interest in experimental research in microbiology, molecular biology and/or microbiome science;
• works carefully and systematically and demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• is able to work independently as well as collaboratively; and
• has excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Experience or knowledge in any of the following areas is considered an advantage:
• microbiota and microbiome analysis;
• sequencing technologies and analysis of sequencing data;
• PCR and TaqMan-based assays;
• molecular biological and microbiological laboratory methods;
• basic programming or bioinformatics; and
• clinical or biomedical data analysis.

In the selection process, considerable emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s scientific potential, analytical ability, independence, collaborative skills and motivation for doctoral studies. We will also consider how the applicant’s previous education and experience provide a strong foundation for successfully completing the doctoral programme and developing as an independent researcher.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability. References, interviews and other relevant assessments may be used in the selection of shortlisted candidates.

Terms of employment

The place of employment is the Department of Odontology, where subject-specific doctoral education and supervision will be provided. This is a full-time PhD position for four years. The successful candidate will become part of the national BioLabX network and participate in the doctoral school’s activities. The PhD student is also expected to participate in the regular doctoral education provided by the Department of Odontology and in the Faculty-wide doctoral education programme. The studies are expected to commence by agreement and salary is in accordance with the established salary scale for PhD positions at Umeå University.

Application

The application must be submitted through Umeå University’s e-recruitment system, Varbi, no later than 15 October 2026.

Applicants for doctoral education must submit a written application in English. A complete application must include:

• a personal letter of no more than two pages summarising your scientific interests and motivation for applying for the position;
• a CV or résumé;
• documentation of your degree in biomedical laboratory science and complementary master’s degree;
• copies of theses and/or publications;
• documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position; and
• contact details for two referees.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

According to (12 kap 2§) of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance, decisions regarding employment cannot be appealed.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact:

Anders EsbergEmail: anders.esberg@umu.sePhone: +46 70 629 55 72

Information about working at Umeå University is available on the University’s website.

Welcome with your application!

Umeå University strives to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.

• Anders Esberg, 070–6295572, anders.esberg@umu.se
• SACO -S, saco@umu.se
• SEKO -, seko@umu.se
• OFR /ST, 090-7865431, st@umu.se