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Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. SciLifeLab (SciLifeLab) is a national center for molecular biosciences with a focus on research in health and the environment. The center combines leading technical expertise with advanced knowledge in translational medicine and molecular biosciences. SciLifelab is a national resource run by Karolinska Institutet, KTH, Stockholm University and Uppsala University. The center collaborates with several other universities.
Administratively, the position will be placed at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University.
More information about us can be found at: Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Project description
Your doctoral studies in bioinformatics will be conducted within the project “Machine Learning for Bioinformatics Applications”.
The thesis work will be conducted within the framework of this project. The selected PhD student will explore how machine learning (ML) strategies including interpretable ML and generative AI can be tailored to study complex biological processes. This project combines current analytical challenges with deep-rooted applications in life sciences, focusing on characterizing how underlying DNA sequence influences genomic processes from cutting-edge paired datasets (microscopy combined with DNA sequencing). We are looking for a PhD student with a master’s degree in either engineering/computer science/physics/mathematics. Experience in ML implementation is a requirement, interpretable ML and/or generative AI is an asset.
The selected PhD student will join the Computational Microscopy for Cell Biology (CMCB) lab led by Dr. J. Griffié, which is mainly composed of engineers, physicists and mathematicians. The lab is based at SciLifeLab in Stockholm, a vibrant and dynamic science hub, with a particular focus on multidisciplinary research. More specifically, the CMCB lab aims to develop cutting-edge data/image analysis and modeling strategies to answer fundamental biological questions with advanced light microscopy data. The lab’s research scope ranges from reinforcement learning for drug design, interpretable ML pipelines for cancer research and diagnostics, and graph neural networks for microscopy.
Eligibility requirements
To be admitted to doctoral studies, the applicant must have basic and specific eligibility requirements. The eligibility requirements must be met at the time the applicant is admitted to the doctoral studies at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
You have basic eligibility if you have completed a degree at advanced level, or have completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (ECs), of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at advanced level, or have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.
For special eligibility to be admitted to a doctoral program in bioinformatics, the applicant must have passed courses of at least 90 credits in basic education, either a) chemistry/molecular biology/biotechnology, or b) computer science/mathematics/physics, and an independent project of at least 30 credits, as well as courses at advanced level in molecular life sciences, computer science, mathematics, physics and/or bioinformatics, so that a total of 60 credits at advanced level are achieved. Special eligibility is also granted to those who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in another order within or outside the country, as assessed by the examiner and/or director of studies for doctoral education.
Selection
Selection of eligible applicants will be made based on their ability to benefit from the training. Important assessment criteria are the following: familiarity with theory, proficiency in the subject area of the dissertation, ability to express oneself orally and in writing in English and/or Swedish, analytical ability, creativity, initiative, independence and ability to collaborate.
The basis for assessing how the applicant meets these requirements is the relevance of previous studies to the subject, grades on completed university courses (especially those at the advanced level), quality and scope of the independent work, references to people who can describe the applicant’s skills, and interviews.
Admission procedure for doctoral education at Stockholm University.
About the employment
We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student in accordance with Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The employment period may not be longer than the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral education. As a doctoral student, you will primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20%).
A new appointment as a doctoral student is valid for a maximum of one year, and the appointment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.
Stockholm University strives to be a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for everyone.
Contact
Further information is provided by project manager, Juliette Griffié, juliette.griffie@dbb.su.se.
General information regarding the doctoral program can be obtained from Professor and Director of Studies Andreas Barth, andreas.barth@dbb.su.se.
Application
You apply for the doctoral position via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it reaches the university by the application deadline.
Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: applying for a job.
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