Doctoral student in Yeast Biotechnology and Microbial Ecology Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden

Doctoral position in Yeast Biotechnology and Microbial Ecology at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The position is based in the Division of Industrial Biotechnology, Department of Life Sciences, and is part of the Geijer Group led by Associate Professor Cecilia Geijer. The research environment is described as dynamic, interdisciplinary, highly international, and equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

This PhD project focuses on yeast biodiversity, microbial ecology, and honeybee health. Using a unique collection of more than 2,500 yeast isolates from Swedish honey, the project aims to identify beneficial yeasts and study how they interact with bees and bee pathogens. The broader goal is to explore whether naturally occurring yeasts from honey and the hive environment can suppress pathogens or promote bee health through probiotic effects, contributing to sustainable solutions for pollinator protection and resilient food systems.

The project is embedded in an international network and involves close collaboration with researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the University of Gothenburg, and Imperial College London. This creates opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific exchange, and broad training across microbiology, biotechnology, ecology, analytical chemistry, and bioinformatics.

Applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree in biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field. For applicants educated outside Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted. Strong English communication skills, prior experience in a biotechnology laboratory, and good interpersonal and organizational skills are required. Helpful additional experience includes eukaryotic microbiology, analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, ecology, HPLC/GC-MS, genome editing, omics methods, and prior work related to pollinator biology, insect-microbe interactions, or apiculture.

The position is fully funded from the start and offered as a fixed-term doctoral appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20% of working time and extend the appointment to five years. The starting salary is 35,725 SEK per month, valid from 1 May 2026. Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the study period, and a valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date.

Applications must be submitted in English via the online application form by 31 August 2026. Required documents include a CV, personal letter, brief introduction, motivation statement, and bachelor’s and/or master’s thesis documents with transcripts. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.