Environment: The PhD student will join the group of Dr. Barbara Sixt, a well-funded and highly international research team. The lab is based at Umeå University (UmU) in northern Sweden and is affiliated with the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS; which is a part of the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine), as well as the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR). These affiliations provide a stimulating and highly collaborative research environment with excellent access to state of the art facilities, training opportunities, and networking activities. Umeå itself is a vibrant university city known for its rich cultural life, strong academic community, and exceptional access to nature. It is widely recognized as an especially welcoming environment for international researchers.

Project: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common infectious cause of blindness, as well as the most prevalent bacterial agent of sexually transmitted infections. The pathogen has an obligate intracellular lifestyle and a unique developmental biology. After invasion of a human host cell, the pathogen replicates within a membrane-bound compartment, the inclusion. The inclusion acts as a growth niche but also shields the bacteria from the host cell intrinsic defense programs. Recent research revealed that the pathogen actively maintains inclusion stability via a class of secreted bacterial effector proteins that are inserted into the inclusion membrane and interact with host cellular proteins to modulate host cell functions. However, our molecular mechanistic understanding of how these host-pathogen interactions stabilize the inclusion and shield the pathogen remains sparse. This PhD project – funded by an ERC (European Research Council) Grant – aims to apply a combination of cell biological, molecular-genetic, proteomic and lipidomic, and microscopic approaches to understand how the composition and interactions of inclusions shape their stability. Thereby the project should generate a knowledge foundation that may enable future therapeutic targeting of inclusion stability.

Eligibility and Qualifications: Applicants must hold a University degree equivalent to a European University Master degree or must have completed course requirements of at least 240 credit points, of which at least 60 credit points should be at second-cycle level. To meet the specific entry requirements for admission to third-cycle studies in molecular biology, the applicant must have completed course requirements of at least 90 credits in the main field of study molecular biology, including courses in chemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics and microbiology. In addition, courses equivalent to 30 credits at advanced level in the subject area of molecular biology are required, including an independent project of at least 15 credits.

To enable interdisciplinary initiatives and significant in-depth studies in certain areas related to molecular biology, qualifications other than the applicant’s subject-specific competence in molecular biology may be assessed as meeting the specific entry requirements. Previous practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, and/or infection biology is a strong merit. Practical experience in molecular cloning, human cell culture, intracellular infections, and fluorescence microscopy will be particularly beneficial for the project.

Applicants must be proficient in both oral and written communication in English. Moreover, applicants should be highly motivated and able to work productively in a team as well as independently. Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with senior colleagues and peers are required. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

Project duration: The position is intendent to result in a doctoral degree and is limited to four years full time.

Application procedure: A full application should include:

• A Curriculum vitae (CV) with information on education, a list of previous and current employments, and a list of publications.

• Copies of relevant degrees.

• A cover letter describing research experience and interests, and motivation for applying for the position.

• Contact details of two to three references (including name, email address, and professional relationship to applicant).

The application must be written in English (preferred) or Swedish. The application is made through Umeå University’s electronic recruitment system: Link to Application

Questions can be directed to Dr. Barbara Sixt (barbara.sixt@umu.se).

Timeline: Application review will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis. For full consideration, please submit your application by April 30, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.