PhD student in Medical Science – Oral Microbiome Eco-Mechanics

If you are admitted to doctoral education at the Faculty of Medicine, you are part of the faculty's joint doctoral programme. The programme covers 25 credits and is offered in two study stages: 25 credits over 8 semesters (total 4 years) and over 12 semesters (total 6 years), with the program starting every autumn and spring semester. More information about the programme can be found on the faculty's website for doctoral education (Education at doctoral level) National Research School for Biomedical Analysts Umeå University participates in the doctoral school Biomedical Analyst for eXcellens (BioLabX), a national research school that is a collaboration between seven Swedish universities with Uppsala University as the principal university.

You can read more about the doctoral school in the advertisement on our website Vacancies at Umeå Universityhttps://www.umu.se/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-jobb/ Project description The oral microbiome is a complex and dynamic microbial ecosystem that plays a central role in oral and systemic health. The composition and function of the micro-organisms are influenced by both the surrounding environment and the biological conditions of the host.

Genetic factors in humans may explain a significant proportion of the variation in the incidence of certain oral micro-organisms. Nevertheless, the biological mechanisms behind these relationships are still largely unknown.

New extensive genetic association studies have identified specific human genetic loci 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 microbiom – host genetics and microbial ecology" focuses on how genetically defined variations in, for example, saliva composition, glycan presentation and host tissues affect micro-organisms adhesion, biofilm formation and function. The aim is to identify and characterise the mechanisms through which values shape the oral microbial ecosystem.

The project combines experimental and bioinformatics approaches and the work will include: genetic and molecular biological analyses, Nanopore-based sequencing, analysis and integration of microbiom data and clinical data, experimental studies of microbial adhesion and biofilm formation, analysis of carbohydrates and proteins relevant to host-microbial interactions, protein profiling of extracellular/external membrane vesicles.

Admission requirements In order to be admitted to a doctoral programme, the applicant must have basic eligibility and special eligibility as described below and be assessed to have the ability that is otherwise needed to complete the programme.

Basic eligibility Basic eligibility for doctoral education has been awarded a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 credits (hp), of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, or in any other order within or outside the country have acquired mainly equivalent knowledge (HF 7 Chapter 39§). The eligibility requirements must be met at the time of admission, but do not need to be fulfilled when the application is submitted.

Specific eligibility In order to be admitted to doctoral education, the applicant must have the necessary knowledge from higher education or equivalent education that is assessed in relation to the field of doctoral studies and the necessary language skills in English. The current position requires a biomedical analyst's degree, supplemented by a master's degree. Both written and oral language skills are referred to. Assessment of these knowledge is done by writing the application in English and parts of the interview are held in English.

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

Merit It is meriting with experience and/or knowledge in microbiota and microbiom analysis, sequencing and analysis of sequence data, PCR and TaqMan-based analyses, molecular biology and microbiological laboratory methods, basic programming or bioinformatics, work with clinical or biomedical data.

Consideration is also given to how the applicant's previous education and experience are assessed as providing good conditions for carrying out the doctoral programme and developing as an independent researcher.  Great emphasis will be placed on personal fitness. Consideration is also given to reference selection, job interview and other possible examination of main candidates.

Conditions of employment The workplace is at the Department of Odontology, where the subject-specific education and supervision are conducted. The position is a full-time doctoral position for four years or part-time equivalent to up to five years.

Application The application should be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and be received by 15 October 2026.

The applicant for doctoral studies must submit a written application in English. A complete application must contain: Personal letter summarising your scientific interest and justifying why you are applying for the position (max 2 pages) CV/ CV/ CV Thesis for a biomedical analyst degree as well as a degree certificate for supplementary master's degree Thesis/Other publications.

Other qualifications relevant to employment.

the contact details of two reference persons;

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

Further information For further information, please contact Anders Esberg, anders.esberg@umu.se, 070–6295572.

Salary placement Salary in accordance with fixed salary ladder for doctoral positions. https://www.umu.se/regelverk/personal-lika-villkor-och-arbetsmiljo/doktorandavtal-2025-10-01-2026-10-01/ Welcome with your application!