Umeå University, one of Sweden’s leading research institutions, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Medical Science with a specialization in Bioinformatics and Human Gut Microbiota. The position is hosted by the Department of Clinical Microbiology and offers an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on the development of the human gut microbiome in early childhood.
The successful candidate will join an international and collaborative research environment while contributing to research aimed at understanding microbial adaptation and supporting the development of next-generation microbiota-based therapies.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | Umeå University |
| Country | Sweden |
| Location | Umeå, Sweden |
| Salary | Competitive |
| Application Deadline | 19 June 2026 |
| Discipline | Biomedicine, Computing, Health Science, Life Science |
| Qualification Required | Master’s Degree or Equivalent |
Overview of the PhD Position
The PhD project focuses on investigating strain-level differences within human gut bacterial species during early childhood. The research aims to improve understanding of the adaptive mechanisms employed by gut bacteria and their role in shaping the developing microbiome.
The selected candidate will analyze longitudinal shotgun metagenomic datasets obtained from 500 children monitored from birth to three years of age. The project seeks to identify how environmental, clinical, and lifestyle factors influence microbial community development and evolution. The doctoral researcher will also become part of the prestigious Data-Driven Life Sciences (DDLS) PhD Research School.
Research Areas and Focus
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Human Gut Microbiota | Investigation of microbial community development during early childhood. |
| Bioinformatics | Computational analysis of large-scale microbiome datasets using modern bioinformatics tools. |
| Metagenomics | Analysis of shotgun metagenomic sequencing data to study microbial diversity and evolution. |
| Microbial Genomics | Examination of strain-level variation and adaptation within gut bacterial populations. |
| Microbiota-Based Therapies | Research supporting the development of future microbiome-assisted therapeutic approaches. |
What the Programme Offers
The successful candidate will benefit from:
- Full funding for a four-year doctoral position
- Membership in the national Data-Driven Life Sciences (DDLS) programme
- Access to advanced computational infrastructure and bioinformatics resources
- Training opportunities through the DDLS Research School
- Collaboration with leading researchers in microbiology, genomics, and bioinformatics
- Opportunities to engage with national and international scientific networks
- Affiliation with the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS)
- Access to the interdisciplinary Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR)
- A stimulating and collaborative international research environment
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in natural sciences, life sciences, engineering, or a related field
- At least 240 higher education credits, including 60 advanced-level credits
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- High motivation for research and scientific development
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with the following qualifications will be particularly competitive:
- Degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related disciplines
- Programming experience in Python, R, or similar languages
- Experience in microbial genomics or metagenomics
- Knowledge of human gut microbiota research
- Familiarity with Linux/UNIX environments
- Experience with Conda environments and bioinformatics software installation
- Experience working with high-performance computing clusters
- Knowledge of genome assembly, sequence analysis, or microbial databases
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Academic qualifications
- Research experience and technical skills
- Motivation and suitability for the project
- Alignment of previous training with the research objectives
- Potential to contribute to the field of microbiome and bioinformatics research
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessment or interviews.
Why Study at Umeå University?
Umeå University is internationally recognized for excellence in life sciences, medicine, and computational biology. The institution provides access to world-class research facilities and collaborative networks across Sweden and Europe.
The successful candidate will be affiliated with several prestigious research initiatives, including the Data-Driven Life Sciences (DDLS) programme, the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), and the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR). These affiliations provide outstanding opportunities for scientific training, networking, and career development.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
- A cover letter outlining qualifications and motivation
- A curriculum vitae (CV) including publications
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates
- Contact information for at least two referees
Applications must be submitted electronically through the university’s recruitment system before the application deadline.
Application Deadline: 19 June 2026