PhD student in medical science in oral microbiome and microbial ecology

If you are admitted to doctoral studies at the Faculty of Medicine, you will be part of the faculty-wide doctoral education program. The program comprises 25 credits and is offered in two study paces: 25 credits over 8 semesters (total 4 years) and over 12 semesters (total 6 years), with program starts every autumn and spring semester. More information about the program can be found on the faculty's website for doctoral education (Utbildning på forskarnivå)

National School of Doctoral Studies for biomedical analysts

Umeå universitet participates in the doctoral school Biomedicinsk analytiker för eXcellens (BioLabX), a national doctoral school that is a collaboration between seven Swedish higher education institutions, with Uppsala universitet as the lead institution.

You can read more about the doctoral school in the advertisement on our website Vacant jobs at Umeå universitet https://[www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-jobb](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 the microorganisms are influenced by both the surrounding environment and the host's biological conditions.

Genetic factors in humans can explain a significant part of the variation in the occurrence of certain oral microorganisms. Despite this, the biological mechanisms behind these connections are still largely unknown.

New extensive genome-wide 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 link 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 microorganism 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 studies, the applicant must have basic eligibility and special eligibility as specified below, as well as be assessed to have the ability otherwise required to complete the education.

Basic eligibility

Basic eligibility for doctoral studies is granted to those who have completed a degree at an advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp are at an advanced level, or who in some other manner, within or outside the country, have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge (HF 7 kap 39§). The 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 studies, the applicant must have the necessary knowledge from higher education or equivalent education assessed in relation to the doctoral research area, as well as necessary language skills in English. For the position in question, a completed biomedical analyst degree supplemented with a master's degree is required. Both written and oral language skills are intended. Assessment of these skills is conducted by writing the application in English and holding parts of the interview in English.

Other qualifications

We are looking for you who have a strong interest in experimental research, work carefully and systematically, have good problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work both independently and together with others.

Merit

Experience and/or knowledge in 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, and work with clinical or biomedical data are meritorious.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant's previous education and experiences are assessed to provide good conditions for conducting the doctoral studies and developing as an independent researcher. Great importance 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 Institution of Odontology, where the subject-specific education and supervision are conducted. The employment is a full-time doctoral position for four years or part-time for up to five years.

Application

Applications must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received no later than October 15, 2026.

The applicant to doctoral studies must submit a written application in English. A complete application must contain:

A personal letter summarizing your scientific interest and motivating why you are applying for the position (max 2 pages) CV/list of merits Degree certificate for the biomedical analyst degree as well as a degree certificate for the supplementary master's degree Theses/other publications. Any other merits relevant to the employment. Contact details for two references.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be processed. According to the Higher Education Ordinance (12 kap 2§), the decision on employment cannot be appealed.

Other information

Further information is provided by Anders Esberg, anders.esberg@umu.se, 070–6295572.

Salary placement

Salary in accordance with the established salary scale for doctoral positions. https://www.umu.se/regelverk/personal-lika-villkor-och-arbetsmiljo/doktorandavtal-2025-10-01-2026-10-01/

Welcome with your application!