Arbetsbeskrivning
Welcome to Linnaeus University! Here you'll meet 2 200 staff members and 40 000 students, all united in following the vision to set knowledge in motion for a sustainable societal development. With us, research and education are conducted with an eye towards the future. Our proximity to the business world, both locally and globally, gives us a wide reach and the ability to create change that makes an impact. All that's needed is a place where ideas have the space to meet and grow. That's what we've created – and you are invited. Change starts here!
The Department of Biology and Environment (BOM) is part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. The research activities of this interdisciplinary department cover areas such as aquatic ecology, cell and organismal biology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, environmental science and technology, animal welfare and zoonotic ecology.
Subject area for the position: Ecology with focus on Disease Ecology
Location until further notice: Kalmar
Term and hours: The doctoral studentship is limited in time in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 5, Section 7). The studentship is full-time.
Starting date: Starting date according to agreement but ideally in September/October 2025
Job description
Most studies on wildlife diseases consider one pathogen and one host species at the time. However, in reality pathogens and hosts are diverse and occur in different assemblages that varies profoundly by both geography and time. Until now it has been difficult to study multiple pathogens simultaneously, but advances in sequence methodologies and bioinformatics are revolutionising the field. The Zoonotic Ecology and Epidemiology research group at Linnaeus University is now looking for a PhD candidate to study ecology and epidemiology of virus assemblages (viromes) of wild birds. A key to this project is the existence of a large sample repository from waterfowl sampled for avian influenza viruses since 2002. Those samples together with additional samples collected today (in Sweden and Europe) provide a unique opportunity to look at both individual and population level data of viromes and their interactions. We are looking for candidate that wants to work in a multidisciplinary research environment and help understand the complexities of viral infections in wild birds. The project is carried out together with the Swedish Veterinary Agency in Uppsala and University of Melbourne, Australia.
The Higher Education Ordinance states that anyone who is employed as a doctoral student shall primarily devote themselves to their own studies, although they may, to a limited extent, also work with education, research, and administration. Before a doctorate has been awarded, such work may not exceed 20% of full-time work.
Eligibility
A person fulfils the general entry requirements if they
• have been awarded a degree on second-cycle level, completed the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits, of which 60 credits on second-cycle level, or in another way, in Sweden or abroad, has acquired principally equivalent knowledge.
Specific entry requirements
• Have completed a minimum of 90 credits in biology, microbiology, bioinformatics or other closely related fields, of which at least 30 credits are at the second-cycle level, or equivalent knowledge acquired in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
Assessment criteria
• A high proficiency in written and spoken English, with strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a research team.
• Documented knowledge and experience of disease ecology and/or bioinformatics will be considered strong advantages. Experience of scientific writing, data management, and well-developed interpersonal skills are also desirable.
Contact
Head of department Anna Augustsson (
[email protected]), +46-(0) 480-446220
Professor Jonas Waldenström (
[email protected]), +46-(0) 70-2018218
HR-partner Victoria Simonsson (
[email protected]), +46- (0) 470-708081
Want to know more about the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences? Find out more at: https://lnu.se/motlinneuniversitetet/Organisation/fakulteten-for-halso--och-livsvetenskap/
Welcome with your application no later than August 15, 2025.
The application must be written in English and contain a CV, contact details including the telephone number and e-mail of two reference persons, a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project matches your interests and educational background, copy of passport, grades and certificates and other relevant documents.
Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.
Please apply by clicking on the Apply button at the bottom of the ad. All documents must be attached to digital in the application. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 23.59 (Local time in Sweden) on the closing day.