Doctoral Student Position in Medical Science, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Summary

The University of Gothenburg (Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Biomedicine) is inviting applications for a fully funded, 4-year doctoral position (PhD) in Medical Science. The research project, titled “Immunological mechanisms for predicting disease course in ulcerative colitis,” aims to uncover why intestinal mucosa remains vulnerable during remission and identify molecular biomarkers predicting disease relapse. The admitted candidate will be integrated into BioLabX, Sweden’s national research school in Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Doctoral Student Position in Medical Science: Role of the Immune System in Ulcerative Colitis

Designation

Doctoral Student (PhD Candidate) in Medical Science

Quick Overview

Research Area

• Field: Medical Science, Immunology, Gastroenterology, Biomedical Laboratory Science
• Key Topics: Ulcerative Colitis, Host-Microbiota Interactions, Macrophage Biology, Flow Cytometry, Metabolomics, Lipidomics, and Biomarker Discovery.

Location

Gothenburg, Sweden

(Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Physical presence is required.)

Eligibility & Qualifications

General Eligibility:

• Completed a second-cycle (Master’s level) degree, or
• Completed course requirements totalling at least 240 ECTS credits (with at least 60 credits at the second-cycle level), or
• Acquired equivalent knowledge/qualifications in Sweden or abroad.

Specific Entry Requirements & Selection Criteria:

• Language Proficiency: English 6 / English B (or equivalent certified competence).
• Subject Background: Background in Biomedical Laboratory Science, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or related biomedical sciences. Ability/willingness to participate in teaching in Swedish is valuable.
• Research Skills: Documented experience in scientific theory, relevant laboratory methodology (e.g., cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular assays), and scientific analysis/reporting (thesis, degree project, or publications).

Scholarship / Position Description

Project Focus:

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease marked by periods of remission and relapse. Even after clinical and histological healing, mucosal vulnerability often remains. This PhD project investigates how the intestinal microenvironment (microbiota, microbial metabolites, and host regulatory signals) influences immune function and drives subsequent relapses.

Key Responsibilities & Training:

• Conducting experimental models and patient-oriented translational research.
• Handling and analyzing human patient samples, functional cell assays using human macrophages, flow cytometry, metabolomics, and lipidomics.
• Integrating molecular data with clinical follow-ups using statistical and bioinformatic pipelines.
• Participation in BioLabX (specialized doctoral courses, pedagogical training, and national networks).
• Completion of at least 30 higher education credits of doctoral coursework and a scientific doctoral dissertation (at least 120 credits).
• Up to 20% departmental duties (including teaching Biomedical Laboratory Science).

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically via the University of Gothenburg Recruitment Portal.

Required Documents (in PDF format):

1. Personal Letter / Statement of Purpose
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Degree Diplomas and Official Academic Transcripts (with certified translations if degrees were obtained outside Sweden)
4. Proof of English Language Proficiency (English 6 or equivalent)
5. Master’s thesis / Degree project / Scientific publications (if applicable)

• Contact Person: Project Supervisor, Maria Magnusson (maria.magnusson@microbio.gu.se)

Last Date to Apply

September 6, 2026

Link