PhD position in Chemistry, with a specialization in structural and molecular virology

Project description and tasks

The doctoral student will investigate replication and assembly of mosquito-transmitted RNA-viruses. This will involve the study of both virion architecture and viral factories within infected cells. The project will combine virology and structural biology approaches and involves training in cellular cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET) data collection and processing.

We offer a collaborative environment and work closely together with expert virology groups, both locally and internationally. The Department of Chemistry is home to the Umeå Centre for Electron Microscopy (UCEM) providing local training and access to state-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopy facilities, including cryo-focused ion beam (FIB) milling. Our team is well-funded and has extensive resources for accessing cryo-EM, computational, and biosafety-lab infrastructure.

The student will be co-supervised within the group of Anna Överby Wernstedt, experts in arthropod-borne disease. We value diversity and different perspectives in our team and we actively work to create an inclusive and supportive research environment.

More information about the lab:

https://renner-lab.com/

Qualifications

To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in chemistry, you are required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry or another subject considered to be directly relevant to the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level within the specialization or an equivalent subject.

Additional required qualifications are:

• Knowledge and experience in biochemistry, structural biology and molecular biology (e.g., cloning, protein purification, cell culture).
• Good oral and written proficiency in English.

Merits are:

• Experience in infection biology.
• Experience with the operative system Linux.
• Prior virology experience.

We are looking for a motivated and curious candidate who is eager to explore scientific questions and develop as an independent researcher. Important prerequisites are a strong interest in infection biology and an enthusiasm for working both in the wet lab and with extensive data processing.

You should be able to take initiative and gradually drive your own work forward, while also benefiting from guidance and support from supervisors. The position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a supportive and respectful research environment, contributing to shared goals within the team.

About the employment

The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, including participation in research and doctoral courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to 20%). The employment is limited to the equivalent of four years of full-time (48 months) or up to five years for teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary levels for PhD positions. The employment starts 28th September, 2026 or according to agreement, but no later then 15 dec 2026.

As employees at Umeå University PhD students are granted social benefits such as parental leave, holiday leave, and occupational health services. Read more about the benefits of being an employee at Umeå University here: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits/. 

Application

You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. The deadline for applications is 13th July, 2026.

The application, written in English or Swedish, should include:

• a personal letter with a brief description of why you are applying for the position, and how your qualifications and research interests are relevant to the doctoral project described above (no more than 2 pages),
• a curriculum vitae,
• copies of degree certificates, diplomas or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, grades obtained, and other certificates of relevance to the described project,
• copies of student theses on advance level or other publications (no more than 5)
• contact information for at least two reference persons.

Further information

Further information is provided by assistant professor Max Renner, max.renner@umu.se.

Welcome with your application!