The University of Gothenburg is inviting applications for a fully funded doctoral (PhD) position in Medical Science within the Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy. This exciting translational project investigates the role of gut mucosal phages in cardiometabolic disease, offering selected candidates the opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research at the intersection of microbiology, immunology, and cardiovascular medicine.
Position Overview
| Position Title | Doctoral Student (PhD Candidate) in Medical Science |
| Host Institution | University of Gothenburg (Sahlgrenska Academy) |
| Department | Institute of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine |
| Research Focus | Gut mucosal phages, gut barrier function, and cardiometabolic diseases |
| Employment Type | Full-time (100%), 4-year doctoral employment |
| Location | Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Application Deadline | October 16, 2026 |
Designation
Doctoral Student (PhD Candidate) / Third-Cycle Researcher
Research Area
Medical Science, Molecular Biology, Microbiome and Phage Biology, Mucosal Immunology, and Cardiometabolic Disorders (including atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease).
Location
Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. Please note that doctoral studies at the institute require physical on-site presence.
Scholarship & Position Description
The doctoral position is a fully salaried research post governed by Swedish higher education regulations (SFS 1993:100). The doctoral appointment corresponds to four years of full-time doctoral education leading to a PhD degree. The standard study plan includes at least 30 credits of advanced coursework and 120 credits for the doctoral dissertation (compilation thesis or monograph). The doctoral candidate may also undertake departmental duties (such as teaching or administrative tasks) up to 20% of full-time, with an equivalent extension granted to the total study duration.
Project Overview: The Role of Gut Mucosal Phages in Cardiometabolic Disease
Bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) are ubiquitous in the human body, with the gut acting as the largest viral reservoir. Unlike free bacteria concentrated in the intestinal lumen, phages are enriched within the mucus layer lining epithelial cells by binding to mucin glycoproteins. When dietary fiber is scarce, gut bacteria consume these host glycans, freeing phages that can cross compromised intestinal barriers into circulation. These phages may trigger inappropriate antiviral immune responses, leading to sustained chronic inflammation and cardiometabolic complications.
The appointed PhD candidate will:
- Analyze phage composition, barrier translocation, and immune responses in colon mucosa under conditions of normal versus disrupted mucus barriers.
- Evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a targeted fiber-based dietary intervention to protect the mucosal barrier from bacterial degradation.
- Construct and validate a predictive model for mucosal barrier disruption using non-invasive biospecimens from clinical cohorts suffering from atherosclerosis, fatty liver disease, and matched healthy controls.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must fulfill both general and specific eligibility requirements for third-cycle (doctoral) education in Sweden:
General Entry Requirements
- Completion of a higher education degree at the second-cycle (Master’s) level, OR
- Completion of course requirements totaling at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 credits must be at the second-cycle level, OR
- Acquisition of equivalent knowledge or training, completed in Sweden or abroad.
Specific Entry Requirements
- Demonstrated proficiency in English corresponding to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6 / English B (or equivalent validated credentials).
Assessment & Selection Criteria
Candidates will be evaluated based on their capacity to successfully complete doctoral training. Key evaluation factors include:
- Documented theoretical and practical skills in molecular biology, microbiology, or clinical medicine.
- Familiarity with scientific theory and relevant experimental or analytical methodologies.
- Proven analytical and scientific writing capabilities, as evidenced by a Master’s thesis, degree project, or peer-reviewed publications.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the University of Gothenburg’s official online recruitment system. All attached files should be in PDF format and must include:
- A detailed Personal Letter / Statement of Motivation.
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of diplomas and academic transcripts documenting completion of general entry requirements (for foreign degrees, submit full transcripts and official degree certificates).
- Documented proof of English language proficiency.
For inquiries regarding the scientific project, please contact the primary supervisor:
Dr. Karolina Sjöberg Jabbar
Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg
Email: karolina.sjoberg@wlab.gu.se
Last Date for Apply
October 16, 2026 (23:59 CET)
Apply Link
Interested candidates can read the complete official announcement and submit their application through the university recruitment portal here:
Apply Online – Doctoral Position in Medical Science (Job ID: 41574)
