PhD student in Medical Science

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We are looking for a PhD student in Medical Science

Viral gastroenteritis, mainly caused by norovirus and rotaviruses, is a leading cause of global diarrhea. Susceptibility to these viruses is influenced by expression of histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) in the mucosa, synthesized by FUT2, FUT3, and ABO(H) glycosyltransferases, which are also linked to various intestinal disorders as well as the efficacy of the live rotavirus vaccines.

In this project we will combine evolutionary analyses, historical data, and functional organoid studies in a multidisciplinary approach.

By performing analysis of ancient DNA databases for common variants in genes influencing HBGA expression, we will track their frequency changes in human populations over historical times. Integrating these findings with historical, geographic, and pandemic datasets will give clues about selection pressures and health impacts. These evolutionary patterns will be linked to disease associations in contemporary populations. Further functional studies using intestinal organoids, combined with analysis of viral evolution during course of infection, will be performed to understand mechanisms behind infection susceptibility, virus infectivity and disease, as well as rotavirus vaccine response.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part of. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% full-time.

You have graduated with a Master’s level in Biomedicine or similar, or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in biomedicine. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

We are seeking a motivated candidate with a background in virus-cell interactions, molecular virology/cell-biology

We want you to have:

• An experimental background, including in vitro cell experiments using organoids

Meritorious for the position:

• Experience working with viruses (BSL-2), including performing virus infection experiments
• ​Experience with RNA/DNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR/qPCR and similar techniques
• Experience with primer design, Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of viral sequence data
• Previous experience of research (e.g. research preparatory courses/ experience of work in research project or similar)
• Working with organoids from the small intestine (enteroids) and enteric viruses

As a person you are committed and have good communication skills, both in English and in Swedish. You can work independently and you can collaborate well in groups. You are organized and can work in a structured way to tackle complex research questions.

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and suitability

You do not need to supply a letter of intent with your application.

Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV ), Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology (MMV ) carries out research, undergraduate and postgraduate education within Medical Science.

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. In connection with your admission to the doctoral program, your employment as a PhD student is handled More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of four years’ full-time work. You will initially be employed for a period of one year. The employment will subsequently be renewed for periods of maximum duration of two years, depending on your progress through the study plan. The employment may be extended to a maximum of five years, based on the amount of teaching and departmental duties you have carried out. Further extensions can be granted in special circumstances.

Starting date by agreement

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants .

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than April 28, 2026.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities .

We look forward to receiving your application!

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