by
2026-05-20
Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
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The Department of Molecular Biology/Umeå university, are searching for a DDLS PhD student in Data driven epidemiology and biology of infection with start date 1 September 2026, or as agreed. The future of life science is data-driven. Will you be part of that change? Then join us in this unique program!
Data driven epidemiology and biology of infection covers research that will transform our understanding of pathogens, their interactions with hosts and the environment, and how they are transmitted through populations. Research will have a strong focus on computational analysis or predictive modelling of pathogen biology or host-microbe systems for which multidimensional, genome-scale experimental data are now available or it may use population-scale genetic, clinical, or public health data from pathogen surveillance efforts and biobanks.
We are looking for a PhD student in Molecular Biology and a special interest in any of algorithms, data structures, high-performance computing, machine learning and microbiology. The position at the Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University is temporary for four years to start immediately or as agreed. The student will be enrolled in the Umeå university Technical Faculty PhD school for Molecular Biology, as well as the national DDLS PhD school for Data driven epidemiology and biology of infection. However, we do not expect applicants to have molecular biology background.
The PhD student will participate in activities provided by the Department of Molecular Biology, the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), and the Umeå Centrum for Microbial Research (UCMR). Furthermore, the student will take part in Data-driven Life Science (DDLS) national activities and have access to the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP). This enables interaction with researchers from different research fields and access to various scientific and technical expertise.
Data-driven life science (DDLS) uses data, computational methods and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes at all levels, from molecular structures and cellular processes to human health and global ecosystems. The SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) aims to recruit and train the next generation of data-driven life scientists and to create globally leading computational and data science capabilities in Sweden. The program is funded with a total of 3.3 billion SEK over 12 years from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg (KAW) Foundation.
In 2026 the DDLS Research School will be expanded with the recruitment of 25 academic and 7 industrial PhD students. During the course of the DDLS program more than 260 PhD students and 200 postdocs will be part of the Research School. The DDLS program has four strategic research areas: cell and molecular biology, evolution and biodiversity, precision medicine and diagnostics, epidemiology and biology of infection. For more information, please see https://www.scilifelab.se/data-driven/ddls-research-school/
Our group develops new single-cell multiomic methods to characterize microbial genomes, resulting in vast (terabyte-petabyte) amounts of data. Using this technology, we aim to characterize complex bacterial communities across different environments, to be stored for deeper analysis and visualization in a Microbial Cell Atlas. This position aims to develop key software components to enable this mission. The results of this project will be used to track new pathogens, combat antimicrobial resistance and biological threats, and find new enzymes of broad interest (e.g., CRISPR gene editing). It will also reduce environmental impact of bioinformatics and promote safe computing standards.
Our software is built primarily in Rust, with R and Python parts to support bioinformaticians. Our web frontend is also developed in Rust (web assembly) – all to support fast computing and handling of complex single-cell data. The software is designed from the ground up for a new type of data (single-cell whole-genome sequencing/metagenomics), and how to best analyze the data is an open research problem. Analysis covers preprocessing, assembly of DNA fragments into complete genomes, imputation of missing data, filtering of bad data, prediction of the meaning of the DNA in individual cells, compression for archiving, indexing and visualization. Our hardware encompasses CPU and GPU-nodes, and software will be designed for both multithreading and horizontal scaling.
The PhD student will become part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers and engineers, covering chemistry, microbiology, computing science, mathematics and data science. As a major team effort, the PhD student is not expected to carry out all tasks, but rather identify and tackle suitable subproblems. Experience of a statically typed programming language is however a must. We encourage independent thinking, from problem definition to solution, and projects are flexible.
A person who is employed as a PhD student shall primarily devote his-/or herself to his/her own education. The project and research environment will give the dedicated student the opportunity to train as a first-class researcher.
Applicants must hold a University degree equivalent to a European University Master degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 credit points, of which at least 60 credit points should be at second-cycle level.
To fulfil the general entry requirements, the applicant must have qualifications equivalent to either a completed degree at advanced level (second-cycle), or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS, including at least 60 ECTS at advanced level, or has otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within Sweden or abroad. The faculty board may, in the case of a specific applicant, consent to an exemption from the general entry requirements if there are special reasons to do so. (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).
To meet the specific entry requirements for doctoral education in molecular biology, the applicant must have completed higher education studies comprising at least 90 credits in a relevant subject area. The subject area need not be in molecular biology as this project is of interdisciplinary nature.
The requirements for prior knowledge as described above are also considered to be met by those who have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.
You must be proficient in both oral and written communication in English.
We envision applicants to come from any background (physics, math, bioinformatics, computing science) but to have a passion for programming and an interest in expanding their knowledge.
It is merit if the candidate has:
While we don’t expect applicants to know biology, applicants are expected to learn a sufficient amount during the course of the PhD, as to be able to effectively communicate with others, and formulate solutions to bioinformatics problems in terms of algorithms. The PhD course package will be adapted to the needs of the student.
You should be highly motivated and able to work productively in a team as well as independently. Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with senior colleagues and peers are required. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.
As an employee with us, you contribute to fostering an inclusive culture and a positive work environment. This involves communicating effectively across differences, demonstrating a collaborative spirit and the ability to work well with others. You maintain openness and a welcoming attitude, showing respect, compassion, and empathy. You engage with and support colleagues from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and promote a healthy work-life balance for both yourself and others.
The evaluation of the ability and potential to assimilate the education is mainly based on:
1. Knowledge and skills relevant to doctoral studies within the research area,
2. The ability to formulate and solve scientific questions.
3. Skills in written and oral communication in English.
4. Other experience relevant to doctoral studies, such as professional experience.
Good collaborative skills, drive and independent work ability are considered as positive merits.
A selection will be made among qualified applicants on the basis of their qualifications and their ability to benefit from studies at the doctoral level. After the selection of the suitable candidate, the process for the admission to doctoral studies will commence. An admission decision will be taken by the prefect.
The position is intendent to result in a doctoral degree and is limited to four years full time. If part-time teaching (max. 20%) can be offered, the employment period can be extended.
Start date 1 September 2026, or as agreed.
Wage placement takes place according to the established salary ladder for doctoral student employment.
According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), the decision on employment cannot be appealed.
You apply through our recruitment system at the latest DD-MM-20YY. Your application must contain the following documents written in English or Swedish:
For questions regarding the position contact johan.henriksson@umu.se or laura.carroll@umu.se
You can find more information at www.ucmr.umu.se, www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology and https://www.scilifelab.se/data-driven/ddls-research-school
Welcome with your application!
Salary
Månadslön
Application deadline
2026-05-20
Registration number
AN 2026/540
Contact
Johan Henriksson
Union representative
SACO SACO
090-7865365
SEKO SEKO
090-7865296
ST ST
090-7865431