PhD Position in Medical Science with Specialization in Bioinformatics – Gut Microbiota in Early Childhood Umeå University in Sweden

Umeå University, one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions, is renowned for its world-leading research and dynamic academic environment. The Faculty of Medicine, comprising 12 departments, is responsible for extensive biomedical research and graduate education. The Department of Clinical Microbiology is seeking a PhD student in medical science with a specialization in bioinformatics, focusing on the development of the human gut microbiota in early childhood.

This project aims to track strain-wide differences within human gut bacteria species in infants, analyzing longitudinal fecal shotgun data from 500 children followed from birth to three years of age. The research will investigate how environmental, clinical, and lifestyle exposures shape microbial community development, with the goal of understanding adaptive mechanisms at high resolution to guide next-generation microbiota-aided therapies.

The successful candidate will join the Data Driven Life Sciences (DDLS) PhD research school, benefiting from an international, collaborative, and stimulating research environment. The position is funded via the SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS), a 12-year initiative dedicated to recruiting and training the next generation of data-driven life scientists. Affiliation with the Department of Clinical Microbiology, the national DDLS program, the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), and the Umeå Center for Microbial Research (UCMR) provides access to computing resources, research school activities, and networking opportunities throughout Sweden and Europe.

Eligibility requires at least 240 higher education credits, with 60 at an advanced level, in natural sciences, life sciences, or engineering. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, both oral and written, and be able to work independently and collaboratively. Meritorious qualifications include a degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, statistics, mathematics, computer science, or related fields, strong programming skills (preferably Python or R), and experience in large-scale sequence analysis, microbial genomics, human gut microbiota research, metagenome assembled genome construction, and database development. Familiarity with UNIX filesystems, conda environments, package installation from github, and batch job submissions in clusters is expected.

The doctoral programme comprises 25 credits and is offered in two study variants: 4 years (8 terms) or 6 years (12 terms), starting each autumn and spring semester. The position is fully funded (salary) and offers opportunities for collaboration with experts across Europe and beyond. Umeå University is committed to providing an equal and inclusive environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds.

To apply, submit your application electronically via the Varbi system, including a cover letter, CV with publication list, certified copies of diplomas and grades, and contact details for at least two referees. For further information about the research area, contact Chinmay Dwibedi at [email protected] or visit dwibedilab.org.

For more details about the DDLS program and affiliated research centers, visit SciLifeLab DDLS, Department of Clinical Microbiology, MIMS, and UCMR.