PhD Position in Medical Science with Specialization in Bioinformatics (Single-Cell Metagenomic Analysis) Umeå University in Sweden

Umeå University, one of Sweden’s largest and most dynamic higher education institutions, is offering a fully funded four-year PhD position in the Department of Clinical Microbiology. The university is renowned for its world-leading research, including the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool. This PhD opportunity is ideal for computational scientists interested in developing bioinformatic methods for single-cell metagenomic analysis (scMetaG), a cutting-edge approach that provides high-resolution insights into complex microbial communities.

The successful candidate will focus on creating novel computational tools to analyze the massive datasets generated by high-throughput scMetaG sequencing. The project addresses the current limitations of existing bioinformatic tools and aims to advance the field by enabling more effective analysis of single-cell metagenomic data. The student will be affiliated not only with the Department of Clinical Microbiology but also with SciLifeLab and the Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS), a major Swedish initiative to train the next generation of data-driven life scientists. Additionally, the student will join the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, which focuses on the molecular basis of disease and innovative treatments.

Eligibility and Requirements: Applicants must have a Master’s degree or equivalent, with at least 240 ECTS credits (including 60 at the second-cycle level). Required skills include proficiency in at least one statically typed programming language, substantial software development experience (projects exceeding 10,000 lines of code), knowledge of hardware and operating systems (preferably Linux), and fluency in English. The ideal candidate is comfortable in a diverse, interdisciplinary, and collaborative environment. Additional desirable qualifications include experience with high-performance computing (HPC), programming in Rust, single-cell data analysis (especially scMetaG), and a background in biological sciences.

Funding and Benefits: The position is fully funded for four years, with salary placement according to the established doctoral scale at Umeå University. The start date is immediate or as agreed. The university offers a vibrant research environment, close-knit campuses, and strong support for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted electronically via Varbi and should include a cover letter (1 page), CV (with publications, theses, and/or software outputs), copies of degree certificates and transcripts, and contact details for two references. All documents should be in Word or PDF format. The application deadline is December 11, 2025.

For more information, prospective applicants may contact Laura Carroll. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the advancement of bioinformatics and single-cell metagenomics in a world-class research environment.

Application Link