PhD student in Analytical Chemistry with specialization in microbiome and metabolomics analysis

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

Department of Chemistry – BMC conducts research and education in analytical chemistry, biochemistry and organic chemistry. More than 100 people, including around 45 PhD students, work at the department. New employees and students are recruited from all over the world and English is the main working language. The department is located at the Biomedical Centre in Uppsala, which facilitates collaborations with research groups in biology, pharmacy, medicine and SciLifeLab and gives access to advanced infrastructure for experimental and theoretical studies. The international environment and good opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations enables PhD students at the department to participate in relevant research projects and prepare for an international research career. You can find more information about us here.

Description of project: This PhD position in Analytical Chemistry for the metabolomic analysis of biological samples is available in the laboratory of Associate Professor Daniel Globisch. The Globisch laboratory is an international and multidisciplinary research group (https://www.kemi.uu.se/bmc/research/analytical-chemistry/research-groups/biomarker-discovery). Our research focus lies on the development of new methodologies to enhance the scope of quantitative and qualitative metabolomics-based research to simplify the discovery of disease-specific small molecule biomarkers in human samples (Example literature: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59, 14342-14346; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2018, 57, 13805-13809; Chem. Sci. 2018, 9, 6233-6239; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2013, 110, 4218-4223). This highly interdisciplinary project in this research area will include newly developed techniques at the interface of Chemistry and Biology with a combination of metabolomics-based analysis, mass spectrometric analysis of metabolites in biological samples, metabolic pathway analysis, and Chemical Biology techniques. Our team is currently searching for a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD student with passion and enthusiasm for science to support our ongoing interdisciplinary research projects to identify metabolic biomarkers and elucidate microbiome metabolism using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics.

Duties: The main duties of PhD students are to devote themselves to their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20 %).

Requirements: 

• To be eligible for doctoral education, a basic higher education equivalent to at least 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS credits at second-cycle level, or essentially equivalent competences acquired in some other way, is required. More information about the general requirements can be found here.
• To be admitted to the doctoral education programme in analytical chemistry, 90 ECTS in analytical chemistry or courses relevant to the analytical chemistry field, or essentially equivalent competences acquired in some other way, are required. More information about the subject specific requirements can be found here.
• Very good English proficiency in speech and writing.

We place great emphasis on your personal qualifications. You need to have a strong motivation for the research project and to be able to contribute with creative ideas. This project requires that you are able to work independently, but that you also have excellent collaborative skills as the project will include scientific collaborations.

Additional requirements: It is desired that you have a master of science or engineering degree in chemistry or similar experience. The successful candidate would preferably have laboratory experience in Analytical Chemistry with documented experience in at least two of the following areas: metabolomics, mass spectrometric analysis of biological samples, bioanalysis, and chemometrics. Highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates interested in interdisciplinary research with strong interpersonal skills are preferred.