PhD Position in Arbovirology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM) at Uppsala University constitutes a broad and international research and teaching environment with over 250 scientists, including over 40 PhD students. Research activities within the department focus on three principal domains: Biochemistry & Molecular Cell Biology, Genomics, and Microbiology & Immunology.

Jenny Hesson (Åke Lundkvist group) at IMBIM now seeks a motivated candidate with the ability to work independently and with a strong interest in pursuing a PhD degree in Microbiology at Uppsala University. The research project will focus on how three human pathogenic mosquito-borne viruses - Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Usutuvirus (USUV), and Sindbis Virus (SINV) - circulates in nature.

Project description and working tasks: Although JEV causes an extensive burden of disease very little is known about its transmission dynamics. Most studies were conducted more than 30 years ago and are therefore usually based on more primitive laboratory techniques than are available today. As for many other arboviruses, the overwintering mechanisms of JEV in temperate areas remain unresolved and the project aims to map these mechanisms in detail. The main focus will be on JEV, but for some questions we will also use similar methods and experimental setups for a closely related virus (USUV) which is endemic in southern Europe, and for SINV, which is the only human pathogenic mosquito-borne virus in Sweden. The project contains phylogeographic, ecological, bioinformatic and molecular virology, as well as experimental set-ups with wild-caught and colonized mosquitoes. Furthermore, month-long field studies in Vietnam will be included in the PhD project.

Qualifications: Candidates should hold a M.Sc. degree or equivalent, with a focus on ecology, infection biology, microbiology or bioinformatics is a requirement. We are looking for a candidate with solid basic biological/ecological knowledge and preferably laboratory experience in microbiology. Good knowledge of statistics is appreciated. The candidate is expected to take own initiatives as well as to collaborate with national and international colleagues both within and outside of the group. Good ability to master English in written and oral form is a requirement. Significant weight will be given to personal suitability.

The selection is based on the following criteria: completion of the above qualifications, grades in relevant courses, suitability of the courses to the research program, previous experience in working and/or performing research in the wider area that relates to the project described above. An integrated assessment of the applicant is generated in order to employ the best possible candidate that can succeed in the doctoral studies and contribute to a positive development of the research program.

To be employed as a PhD student, the applicant must be accepted in the postgraduate program. Information concerning doctoral education, requirements and rules of admission can be found in: http://www2.medfarm.uu.se/utbildning/forskarniva/. The length of the study period for full time employment is a maximum of four years. Terms for graduate studies can be found in Högskoleförordningen 5 kap §§1-7.

Formal Duties: The successful candidate will engage in research and doctoral studies. Other duties at the department, i.e. administration and teaching, may be included in the employment up to a maximum level of 20 %.

Application: Please submit your application by using the Uppsala University application portal, and by including i) a CV, ii) publications and/or a copy of master thesis or equivalent, iii) a letter describing your research interests, skills and motivation to apply for the position, together with iv) contact information of at least two referees (phone numbers and e-mail addresses).

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.

Starting date: After agreement.

Type of position: Full time position.

For further information about the position please contact: Jenny Hesson, jenny.hesson@imbim.uu.se or Åke Lundkvist, ake.lundkvist@imbim.uu.se

Please submit your application by April 26, 2019, UFV-PA 2019/1189.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.