Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields

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

Department of chemistry, Umeå University, Sweden

Application deadline: 13 Jul 2026

The Department of Chemistry at Umeå University is opening a PhD position in Chemistry with a specialization in Biochemistry. The thesis project will focus on the structural and molecular biology of mosquito-transmitted pathogenic viruses. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. 

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 is available here.

About you

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.

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.

More more information and to apply, see our website.