PhD student in Microbiology

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is organized into seven research programmes which all focus on different areas of cell and molecular biology: Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biophysics, Molecular Evolution, Molecular Systems Biology and Structural Biology. The scientific basis of what we do lies in biology, but our research overlaps with other areas such as medicine, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, engineering sciences and physics. In total, we are over 200 staff and ~60 Ph.D. students. Please read more about the department’s work at https://www.uu.se/en/department/cell-and-molecular-biology. 

The advertised position is placed within the Microbiology and Immunology program, which specializes in research on various aspects of cell biology, infection biology, immunology, and microbiology.

Project description 

Large-scale studies have recently identified hundreds of previously unknown RNA-binding proteins in bacteria, indicating that interactions between proteins and RNA play a greater role in bacterial physiology and virulence than previously thought. This PhD project aims to gain a detailed understanding of how RNA-binding proteins affect bacterial growth, gene regulation, and infection. The main model organism in this project will be the pathogenic bacterium Salmonella Typhimurium. Methods to be used in the project include large-scale RNA sequencing, proteomics, and other molecular and microbiological techniques.

Duties 

Research within the described project and teaching up to 20%.

Requirements

Applicants must hold an MSc degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, or equivalent. Good oral and written communication skills are required.

Great emphasis is placed on personal suitability.

Additional qualifications 

Practical experience in performing infection experiments and/or RNA-related methods is desirable. Basic programming knowledge is an advantage.

Application

The application should include a brief description of research interests and relevant experience (1 page), CV, copies of certificates and diplomas, and one reference letter.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Erik Holmqvist, erik.holmqvist@icm.uu.se

Please submit your application by December 18, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3681.