The Department of Odontology announces a PhD position in Medical Science within the field of dental caries and chronic inflammatory diseases. The position is full-time for four years, with a starting date to be agreed upon.
The Department of Odontology employs approximately 70 staff members and provides education in the dental hygiene and dentistry programmes, as well as conducting research in odontology. The aim of the research is to contribute to improving oral health and oral function, as well as preventing and combating disease conditions.
Doctoral students admitted to doctoral studies at the Faculty of Medicine are enrolled in the faculty-wide doctoral training programme. The programme comprises 25 credits and is offered in two study tracks: 25 credits across 8 semesters (4 years) or across 12 semesters (6 years), with programme starts each autumn and spring semester. More information about the programme can be found on the faculty web site - Doctoral studies at the Faculty of Medicine.
About the research project
We are currently recruiting a PhD student to join one of our research groups. The research is translational and combines basic and clinical research on dental caries, chronic inflammatory diseases and infection biology, with the goal of developing personalised diagnostics and treatment strategies for dental caries.
Our research focuses on identifying genetic and molecular predictors and mechanisms underlying different etiological types of dental caries, with particular emphasis on immunity, the microbiota and the exposome. We also investigate the role of oral health in general health and age-related diseases.
The project includes molecular, translational and clinical components and is conducted in an interdisciplinary research environment.
Tasks and Responsibilities
We are seeking a doctoral student who will work experimentally with microbial and human DNA sequencing, including associated analyses using standard bioinformatics methods. The project will also involve statistical analysis in R, omics data analysis, and general computational approaches commonly used in bioinformatics.
The doctoral student will participate in the logistics, management, and analysis of clinical sample collections, including genotyping and biomarker analyses.
In addition, the project includes studies of disease mechanisms and biological processes in infectious and inflammatory diseases. These investigations will employ experimental cellular and molecular biology techniques, as well as in vitro, in situ, and in vivo model systems.
Eligibility requirements
To be admitted to doctoral studies, the applicant must meet both the general and specific entry requirements described below and be considered capable of completing the programme.
General eligibility
General eligibility for doctoral education is granted to applicants who have completed a second-cycle degree, completed at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 credits must be at the second-cycle level, or who have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in another way within Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).
Specific eligibility
Applicants must have the necessary knowledge from higher education or equivalent education relevant to the doctoral research area, as well as sufficient proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
Additional qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated and talented individual interested in host–microbiome interactions in human diseases. The candidate should have an academic background and training in biology or human biosciences. Experience with molecular methods and experimental models is considered an advantage, as is experience in the logistics and management of clinical sample collections and associated analyses, such as genotyping and biomarker analyses.
Experience working with DNA sequence data, including standard bioinformatic and statistical analyses in R for bioinformatics, is particularly meritorious and highly valued.
Experience with disease mechanistic studies, including work with experimental in vitro and in vivo models (e.g., cell or animal models), as well as molecular biology techniques, is also considered an advantage. The ability and interest to work in interdisciplinary environments and to apply diverse methodological approaches are essential.
We do not expect the candidate to be proficient in all of these areas; however, they should be eager to learn the required techniques, including whole-genome and metagenomic analyses beyond the level of standard bioinformatics.
Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and overall suitability. We are looking for a strong team player with the following personal skills:
Ability to work in an organized and structured manner
Reliability
Ability to act proactively and take responsibility for their project
Independent and self-motivated
References, interviews and other possible evaluations of shortlisted candidates will also be considered.
Employment conditions
The successful candidate will be physically based at the Department of Odontology, where the subject-specific training and supervision will take place.
Application
Applicants must submit a written application in English. A complete application must include:
A cover letter summarizing your qualifications, scientific interests and motives for applying (max two pages)
Incomplete applications will not be considered. According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), decisions regarding doctoral positions cannot be appealed.
Applications must be submitted through our e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 1 April 2026.
Further information
For further information, please contact Assistant Professor Nongfei Sheng nongfei.sheng@umu.se
Terms of employment
The position is full-time (100%) for four years and will start as soon as possible according to agreement.
Salary will follow the established salary scale for doctoral students.
If a residence permit is required for your stay in Sweden, the University reserves the right to withdraw the admission if a residence permit is not granted, or – if a study start date has been determined – if a valid residence permit cannot be presented before the start of the studies. The latest possible start date is 30 August 2026.
Welcome with your application!
Please note: the Swedish version is the official version of this advertisement. In the case of any differences in information between this and the official version, it is the official version that is the legally correct version of the advertisement for this position.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
