PhD in Veterinary Medicine Bacteriology, with a focus on infectious protection

Department of Animal Biosciences

Doctoral studies subject:

Veterinary Medicine Science

Description of the doctoral project:

Disease control is an essential part of all health care and aims to prevent the spread of pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria can survive and persist in cinemas, allowing them to spread between patients in case of inadequate cleaning and disinfection and increase the risk of healthcare-related infections.

This doctoral project aims to generate new knowledge about infectious diseases with a particular focus on the presence and distribution of biofilms and control measures in small animal hospitals and clinics. The project will identify self-control and the presence of biofilm in the care environment and evaluate which cleaning and disinfection procedures are most effective in preventing bacterial spread.

By identifying risk areas and developing evidence-based recommendations for cleaning and disinfection, the project will contribute to strengthening disease protection work and reduce the risk of spread of pathogenic bacteria in animal health care.

Tasks:

The doctoral student will be involved in all aspects of the research process. The tasks include the planning and implementation of research studies, sampling at animal hospitals and clinics, microbiological and epidemiological analyses, and the collection, processing and analysis of research data. An important part of the project is to communicate research results both orally and in writing, to both scientific and popular scientific target groups. As a doctoral student, you also participate in doctoral courses and contribute to the department's activities.

Competence:

The applicant must have a master's degree, master Swedish in speech and writing and have good knowledge of English, equivalent to the lowest grade in English B/English 6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Specific eligibility in the subject area requires a veterinary degree, or other biomedical or natural sciences degree with relevant contents for the subject area. The degree must include at least 30 credits at advanced level as well as an independent project.

Qualifications can also be given to applicants with other comparable training. The assessment is made in each individual case by the faculty board.

Your background:

We are looking for you who have a great interest in preventive work in infectious diseases, especially in small animal health care. The appropriate training background for the service is a veterinary or animal nurse's degree.

It is meritorious if you have:

• Experience of work in small animal health care
• Interest in bacteriology and health care hygiene
• B driving licence

We will attach great importance to personal qualities such as communication and cooperation skills, independence, accuracy and commitment to research, as well as good initiative and organisational ability.

The position is offered to those who, after a qualitative overall assessment, are considered to have the best conditions for carrying out and developing current tasks and contribute to a positive development of the business.

About us:

The PhD project will be carried out at the Department of Animal Biosciences (HBIO) at SLU. The department is part of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and is responsible for basic education, research and doctoral studies in a wide range of subject areas, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, genetics, breeding, immunology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, epizootology, comparative medicine, food safety, bioinformatics, veterinary public health and One Health. Our research covers everything from farmed animals to sports and pet animals, experimental animals and wildlife, with the aim of contributing to improved animal health, animal welfare and public health.

More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/husdjurens-biovetenskaper/

Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/

Read more about SLU's doctoral studies at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.

Form of supply and remuneration:

Postgraduate student position (4 years of education)

The salary for the doctoral position follows local collective agreements with fixed salary steps.

Scope:

100%

Location:

Uppsala

Access:

By agreement, but no later than 2027-02-01.

Application and selection:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-11-01.

Read more about the appendices that your application should contain on https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/

Selection of qualified applicants is based on the appendices attached to the application, and shall be made taking into account the ability to complete the training within the time allowed.

Trade unions

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role to play in the development of sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable social development and good living conditions on our planet. The main locations are Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also carried out at research stations, pilot parks and educational centres throughout the country. SLU has more than 4000 employees, 6000 students and graduate students and a turnover of over 4,5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We work for an equal and inclusive working environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for science, creativity and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.