Reference number P 2025/826
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We are looking for
3 Doctoral student at Malmö university
To conduct three closely integrated projects aimed at a collaborative goal to develop methods and materials for non-invasive studies of the host-microbiota interplay at biological barriers. Molecular interactions at the host-microbiota interface contribute to the improvement or the transition from intact to compromised biological barriers that participate in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. Development of non-invasive analytics and sensors for inflammatory diseases of the skin and oral environment are in focus in the project. The project is supported by Biofilms Research Centre for Biointerfaces under the supervision of principal investigators from the Faculty of Health and Society, the Faculty of Odontology and the Faculty of Technology and Society.
Project
Are you passionate about supporting the development of preventive healthcare by understanding the importance of biological barriers which are constantly challenged by microbes and environmental factors? Join us to enhance our knowledge of host-microbiota interplay and develop broadly applicable, non-invasive sensing of biomarkers on skin and in the mouth including development of surfaces which enable single molecule sensing. The main idea of each sub-project is detailed below.
A PhD student in Biomedical Science will focus on development of non-invasive analytics for collecting biomarkers from the surface of skin. This will also include components responsible for proper functioning of deeper extracellular matrix (ECM) of the basal lamina of the epidermis and the dermis. The structural proteins of the ECM play fundamental roles for proper skin function by providing structural support, regulating cell behavior, biochemical signaling, and facilitating tissue repair and remodeling. Dysregulated ECM remodeling is associated with skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and skin cancer. Therefore, non-invasively assessing interactions between ECM proteins and, e.g., proteases, originating from host and microbiota, is essential for understanding the complex process of ECM remodeling. We hypothesize that non-invasive identification and characterization of both low-molecular weight substances (e.g., amino acids and their derivatives, lipids, etc.) as well as biomacromolecules (e.g., enzymes such as proteases and lipases) are important for increased understanding of prevention of ECM dysregulation in diseases. In fact, various skin disorders and skin cancers represent a unique case for non-invasive analytics since the lesional skin area is adjacent to areas of seemingly healthy skin. Non-invasive sampling of both areas can therefore be exploited. The research will exploit methodologies of classical analytical and bioanalytical chemistry as well as more modern techniques such as quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
A PhD student in Odontology will focus on the development of experimental model systems to guide identification and evaluation of relevant biomarkers for oral disease, periodontitis, and associated systemic inflammatory conditions. The oral cavity is an accessible niche for studies of the complex interplay within bacterial communities, as well as with the human immune system in health and disease. However, this requires an understanding of the multifactorial cellular and molecular interactomes involved. We are currently developing mass-spectrometry based proteomic assays to assess the global host and bacteria proteome of biological fluids from well-defined clinical cohorts of periodontitis. The specific focus of this PhD project will be to (i) compare well-defined cohorts of periodontitis patients to identify biofilm and host-derived factors that are related to disease progression; (ii) develop ex vivo models reflecting the complexity of the periodontal niche, that integrate molecular functional profiling of host cells comprising the tissue barrier (epithelial cells, neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages and platelets) with the disease-associated microbiome; (iii) understand how bacterial interactions in multi-species biofilm models contribute to development of disease-associated biofilms (iv) investigate how potential biomarkers identified in (ii) and (iii) can be measured in complex biological fluids. The methodologies and data interpretation outlined here overlap with those that will be used by the other PhD students.
A PhD student in Applied Physics will focus on non-invasive thin-film sensors for detection of low molecular weight biomarkers such as host and microbiota metabolites, immunomodulators and products of oxidative reactions. Amorphous Ti-Si-O-N is chosen as a starting material system. Using density functional theory, new materials solutions will be sought for with enhanced adsorption as a selection criterion probing a large spectrum of biomolecules that may appear in low-grade inflammatory microenvironments. Amorphous Ti-Si-O-N and its modifications will be synthesized on polymeric substrates by reactive magnetron sputtering. Finally, glancing angle deposition will be employed to form various nanostructures. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), supported by AI, will be employed to detect individual molecules which adhere to active materials, revealing their spatial affinity. This will serve as a gauge for operando spectroscopic analysis at large-scale facilities, such as MAX IV. Validation of the proposed methodology will be achieved by mass spectrometry (in collaboration with the other two PhD projects). These thin film sensors will aid in the early detection and diagnosis of inflammatory disorders. The project will benefit from other projects run at BRCB, specifically, Biobarrier profile.
Work duties
Those appointed to doctoral studentships shall primarily devote themselves to their studies. Those appointed to doctoral studentships may, however, work to a limited extent with educational tasks, research, artistic research and administration, however, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20 per cent of a full-time post (Chapter 5, Section 2 of the Higher Education Ordinance).
In the research project part of the PhD training, the work duties include experiments in multidisciplinary environment handling human samples, cell biology and microbiology labs as well as highly sensitive monitoring techniques such as Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D), Small and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), electrochemistry, and different optical techniques flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. In particular, a PhD student within Applied Physics will use sputtering to grow sensors and in-house as well as large-scale facilities to identify surface reaction mechanisms leading to sensing of relevant biomarkers. The doctoral student is expected to summarize and interpret experimental results and present them in a PhD thesis and scientific articles.
Qualifications
To be admitted to third-cycle studies, the applicant must meet the general and specific entry requirements of the subject in question. Moreover, the applicant must be deemed capable of assimilating the education.
General entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes (HEO Chapter 7 Section 39) have those who:
- has been awarded a second-cycle qualification
- has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
- has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
Specific entry requirements Biomedical Science:
Specific entry requirements are the successful completion of 90 ECTS, of which 30 ECTS are at an advanced level, in a subject of relevance for the current research field or equivalent knowledge acquired in some other way. Adequate knowledge in English is also required.
Specific entry requirements Odontology:
Specific entry requirements are essential for the doctoral student to be able to benefit from the education. For admission to postgraduate education at the Faculty of Odontology, the following are required:
- Necessary knowledge from higher education or equivalent education and/or professional experiences that are assessed in relation to the field of postgraduate education
- Adequate knowledge in English is also required
Specific entry requirements Applied Physics:
Specific entry requirements is accorded to those who
- have knowledge and skills equivalent to a second-cycle degree in applied physics or in another subject that has relevance for applied physics, or
- have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in or outside Sweden
- are proficient in English to the extent required for conducting postgraduate studies in applied physics
More about specific entry requirements for the particular subject, i.e., biomedical science, dentistry, and applied physics, can be find in the general syllabus for the subject. See https://mau.se/en/research/doctoral-studies/
Selection criteria
Selection among applicants who meet the general and specific entry requirements shall be made with regard to their capacity to assimilate the education (HEO Chapter 7 Section 41).
General selection criteria Biomedical Science:
In the assessment of applicants for admission to third-cycle studies, the ability to benefit from the third-cycle studies is used as suitable criteria. To assess this ability, previous study results, essays, term papers, reports, research plans, any research qualifications and documented work experience are taken into consideration. Special importance is attached to independent work at first (undergraduate) and advanced levels.
General selection criteria Odontology:
In the selection between applicants, the basis for selection is the applicant's merits at the time of application.
General selection criteria Applied Physics:
The following general selection criteria will be used
- Subject competence
- Scientific quality in previous work
- Methodological and scientific maturity
- Communication and collaborative skills
More about general selection criteria can be found in the general syllabus for the subject. See https://mau.se/en/research/doctoral-studies/
Additionally, the candidate must have a background in natural sciences such as chemistry, physics, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, microbiology or similar. Candidate should have a true and firm interest in a laboratory experimental work and theoretical interpretation of experimental results.
Experience from working with surface and colloid chemistry, materials, development of analytical and bioanalytical methods is advantageous. A previous hands-on experience in more than one of the following methods: Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), X-ray or neutron scattering (SAXS, WAXS, SANS), flow cytometry, human and bacteria cell culture, microscopy techniques (e.g. TEM, SEM, confocal) is advantageous. In particular, a PhD student within Applied Physics should have knowledge pertaining to physical vapour deposition, especially sputtering, and relevant characterization techniques (SEM, AFM, SAXS, WAXS and synchrotron based methods). Documented excellent level of English (understanding, speaking and writing) is essential.
Faculty, Department and Research environment
The Department of Biomedical Science at Faculty of Health and Society (www.mau.se/bmv) offers programmes leading to a professional qualification as Prescriptionist and Biomedical laboratory scientist (both first cycle, 180 credits), and a Masters' programme, Biomedical Surface Science (second cycle, 120 credits), as well as first and second cycle freestanding courses.
The Department of Oral Biology at Faculty of Odontology conducts research on oral diseases caused by microbial biofilms. We aim to increase the understanding of how oral bacteria adapt to changes in the local environment, to find new ways for prediction and risk assessment of caries and tooth loss, and to identify novel targets for intervention. Our teaching within the dental programme is focused on the structure and function of the tissues and microbiome of the oral cavity.
The Department of Materials Science and Applied Mathematics at Faculty of Technology and Society offers education at all levels, from a technical foundation year programme to doctoral education. Our programmes belong to the field of applied engineering, covering subjects of civil and mechanical engineering and basic natural science. We conduct research mainly in applied physics and selected fields of engineering.
The research at these three departments is linked to research center “Biofilms Research Centre for Biointerfaces” (www.mau.se/brcb), which combines biomedical science with clinical and translational research in medical, dental, food and environmental application areas in close collaboration with regional industry.
Further information
Project related questions:
For PhD in Biomedical Science, assoc. prof. Sebastian Björklund, +46(0)40-6657891, [email protected]
For PhD in Odontology, assoc. prof. Oonagh Shannon, +46(0)721-726182, [email protected]
For PhD in Applied Physics, prof. Denis Music, +46(0)704089718, [email protected]
Questions regarding employment at Malmö university:
HR-specialist Heidi Francke, [email protected]
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You can read more about the benefits of working in Sweden here: https://sweden.se/collection/working-in-sweden/
Application
You apply for this position via Malmö University's recruitment system by clicking on the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is completed in accordance with the job advertisement, and that it is submitted to the University no later than 22 May 2025. The application must be written in Swedish, English or any of the Nordic languages. As an applicant, you are responsible for the application and its appendices being translated.
The application must include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including names and e-mail addresses of two reference persons
- Diplomas, transcript of records and other certificates relevant for the position
- A copy of master thesis or equivalent
- A brief description of your view of the focus of the future PhD thesis project (max 1 page).
Miscellaneous
Preparation of admission to postgraduate education and employment as a doctoral student take place in parallel. Only those who are or have been admitted to third-cycle courses and study programmes at a higher education may be appointed to doctoral studentships (Chapter 5, Section 3 of the Higher Education Ordinance).
The doctoral studentship is a fixed-term position comprising four years of full-time studies, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 Section 7. A doctoral student shall be employed for an indefinite period but for no longer than until a specified date, and never for longer than a year after the doctoral degree or artistic doctoral degree has been completed. The first appointment must be limited to one year at the most. The appointment can be extended by a maximum of two years at a time.
Malmö University is a workplace and higher education institution that is characterised by an open and inclusive approach, where gender equality and equal terms add value to our activities.
Malmö University applies salary setting for doctoral students in accordance with a local agreement on salary setting for doctoral students.
If the admitted person requires a residence permit to live in Sweden and pursue their studies, the University reserves the right to revoke the admission decision if the admitted person cannot present a valid residence permit as required on the date they are due to commence their education.
Employees who do not speak Swedish should learn Swedish in the long term so that they can participate in the daily and ongoing work of the institution or department.
Start date
1 July 2025 or upon agreement.
Union representatives
SACO-S: Désirée Annvir, [email protected]
Sveriges Lärare: Peter Persson, [email protected]
OFR/S (ST): Lutfi Zuta, [email protected]
PhD Student Union representative
Barnabas Nyesiga, [email protected]
We are looking forward to receiving your application!
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You apply no later than 22/05/2025 by clicking the apply button.
