Umeå University
6 days ago
PhD Student in Molecular Biology, Data-Driven Epidemiology and Infection Biology Umeå University in Sweden
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
The position is a full-time, four-year fixed-term doctoral employment leading to a PhD. Salary is paid monthly according to the established doctoral salary scale. If up to 20% part-time teaching is offered, the employment period may be extended. The doctoral project is linked to the nationally funded DDLS doctoral school, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, but no specific stipend amount or tuition coverage is stated.
Deadline
Nov 19, 2026
Country
Sweden
University
Umeå University
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About this position
Umeå University in Sweden invites applications for a full-time PhD student position in molecular biology, linked to the national DDLS doctoral school in data-driven epidemiology and infection biology. The doctoral project is located at the Department of Molecular Biology and is expected to begin in January 2027, or by agreement.
The research lies at the intersection of molecular biology, bioinformatics, computational biology, and data science. The research group develops single-cell multiomic methods for characterizing microbial genomes and complex bacterial communities, generating very large datasets ranging from terabytes to petabytes. The PhD student will develop core software components for a Microbial Cell Atlas and tools supporting pathogen tracking, antimicrobial-resistance research, biological-threat detection, enzyme discovery, and environmentally responsible bioinformatics.
Research challenges include preprocessing, DNA-fragment assembly into complete genomes, missing-data imputation, low-quality-data filtering, prediction of DNA function in individual cells, compression, indexing, visualization, and scalable analysis. The software ecosystem primarily uses Rust, with R and Python components and a Rust/WebAssembly web interface. Computing will target CPU and GPU nodes, multithreading, and horizontal scaling. The student will work in an interdisciplinary team spanning chemistry, microbiology, computer science, mathematics, and data science.
Applicants need a master's-equivalent degree or 240 higher-education credits including 60 at advanced level, at least 90 credits in a relevant subject for molecular-biology doctoral study, strong English communication skills, a computer-science background or equivalent, experience with a statically typed programming language, and knowledge of algorithms and common data structures. Rust, bioinformatics, web development, mathematics, machine learning, R, Python, biology, and larger software-project experience are advantageous.
The appointment is a four-year, full-time doctoral employment with monthly salary according to the doctoral salary scale. Applications must include a CV, degree certificates, a cover letter, and contact details for two or three referees. The deadline is 19 November 2026.
Funding details
The position is a full-time, four-year fixed-term doctoral employment leading to a PhD. Salary is paid monthly according to the established doctoral salary scale. If up to 20% part-time teaching is offered, the employment period may be extended. The doctoral project is linked to the nationally funded DDLS doctoral school, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, but no specific stipend amount or tuition coverage is stated.
What's required
Applicants must hold a university degree equivalent to a European master's degree, or have completed at least 240 higher-education credits including at least 60 credits at advanced level, or possess substantially equivalent knowledge. Specific eligibility for doctoral studies in molecular biology requires at least 90 higher-education credits in a relevant subject area. Applicants must communicate well in spoken and written English, have a background in computer science or equivalent, experience with a statically typed programming language, and knowledge of algorithm design and common data structures. Meritorious qualifications include Rust, bioinformatics—especially de novo assembly, single-cell analysis, and microbial bioinformatics—web development, mathematics, machine learning, R, Python, biology, and experience developing larger projects. Strong motivation, independence, teamwork, communication, and ability to formulate and solve scientific problems are also expected.
How to apply
Apply through the Umeå University recruitment system by 2026-11-19. Submit a CV including education, employment history, and publications; degree certificates; a cover letter describing research experience, interests, and motivation; and contact details for two or three referees. Documents may be written in English or Swedish.
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Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.