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Doctoral position in circadian skin biology at the University of Gothenburg
Research and graduate education at the department of chemistry and molecular biology comprises a wide scientific field from the atomic and molecular levels all the way through cells to intact organisms. Much of the phenomena studied here impact on our natural environment and living systems. We participate in undergraduate programs in chemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, biology, marine sciences, and pharmacy.
The Circadian Skin Biology Lab (CSBL) at the University of Gothenburg is seeking highly motivated PhD students to join our research team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to explore the interplay between skin biology and chronobiology, utilizing cutting-edge experimental models, molecular methodologies, and circadian bioinformatics analyzes.
CSBL seeks to investigate the interaction between skin cells, known as the skin interactome, and how this communication varies throughout the day. By studying the skin interactome, we aim to enhance our understanding of cellular communication in the skin and its influence on skin diseases. Acknowledging that the skin follows a circadian rhythm, we integrate the variable time into our experimental designs to examine its effects on skin health physiology. To achieve these objectives, we employ:
- In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models
- Molecular biology techniques
- Omics methodologies (e.g., ATACseq, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics)
- Circadian bioinformatics analyses
The position is expected to commence in the end of August 2025.
General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages.
https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies
Duties
The PhD candidates will be responsible for developing a research project in the field of circadian skin biology and are expected to use in vitro and in vivo skin models, along with bioinformatic analyses. The candidate should have experience and knowledge in the following:
- Experience in cell culture, qPCR, and/or western blot.
Experience in bioinformatic analysis (e.g. R environment) will be considered an advantage.
Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.
As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.
Eligibility
Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.
The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:
- having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
- the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or
- the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.
To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must: (i) have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or (ii) have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or (iii) have completed a corresponding program of relevance to the planned third-cycle program, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.
*Relevant for the planned third-cycle education
The specific entry requirements also include an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidelines for assessing English proficiency may include a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL test (or 213 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 on the TOEFL-iBT).
Assessment criteria
The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies.
In selecting between applicants who meet the general and specific entry requirements, their ability to benefit from third-cycle studies shall be taken into account. The assessment shall attach particular importance to documented qualifications for:
We are seeking for talented and committed doctoral students who are eager to pursue a career in molecular biology and bioinformatics. An open mind, a willingness to learn, and a genuine passion for science are essential traits. The ideal candidate should have background and expertise in physiology, skin biology, molecular biology, and/or bioinformatics. Candidates will be evaluated according to the requirements established in the job assignments section. Preference will be given to those with experimental experience and familiarity with bioinformatic analyses. Training will be offered to individuals without bioinformatics experience who demonstrate a desire to learn. You should be able to work both independently and collaboratively. The candidate must possess problem-solving skills to address experimental challenges. Furthermore, proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required for effective communication.
Admission and employment
Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.
The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.
Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.
A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years.
Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, four years full time
Extent: 100 %
Location: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Gothenburg
First day of employment: As soon as possible based on agreement
The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.
Please note, doctoral studies at The Department of Chemistry and Molecular biology require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, The Department of Chemistry and Molecular biology has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.
Contact information
Leonardo de Assis
Email: [email protected]
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
Application
You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
You must include the following, in PDF format
- Personal letter
- CV
- Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement
- Proof of completion of English 6 course or the acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies
- Two references (name, e-mail, telephone number, relation)
If your degree has not been verified by a Swedish authority you need to provide contact details to the issuing university, registrar or similar, that can verify the degree at our request.
Applications must be received by: 2025-05-04
Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.
