Doctoral student in Yeast Biotechnology and Microbial Ecology

Karlstad University; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 362,808 - 434,573; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Dynamic working environment

Generous parental leave and subsidized daycare

Job summary

Karlstad University seeks a Doctoral student in Yeast Biotechnology and Microbial Ecology to research the impact of yeasts on honeybees and pollinator health. The position is fully funded and offers a dynamic research environment.

The successful candidate will have strong laboratory experience, a Master’s degree in a related field, and excellent communication skills in English. You will engage in collaborative research, contribute to innovative solutions, and enjoy benefits associated with the university employment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required for doctoral study nominee.
• Strong skills in communication, both written and verbal.
• Experience in a biotechnology lab is essential.
• Teamwork and positive contributions to research are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in the project area.
• Develop scientific concepts and communicate results.
• Teach at the undergraduate level or related tasks.
• Collaborate with research peers effectively.

Skills

Biotechnology

Microbiology

Communication in English

Laboratory experience

Education

Master's degree in biotechnology, microbiology, or similar

Bachelor’s degree (4 years) accepted for international students

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

Genome-editing techniques

Job description

Doctoral student in Yeast Biotechnology and Microbial Ecology

Our goal is to focus on competence, knowledge and collaboration in order to play an important, demonstrable role in social development.

Join our team at the Division of Industrial Biotechnology, Department of Life Sciences, and contribute to impactful research at the interface of microbiology, biotechnology, and honeybee health.

About us

Department of Life Sciences conducts research, innovation, and education to enable a biobased society and improve human health. We explore how biological systems, and innovative technologies can be used to convert biomass into valuable products. We use advanced computational technologies to discover how biomolecules and organisms function and interact. We pioneer new methods for prediction, prevention, diagnostics and treatment of diseases.

The Division of Industrial Biotechnology (IndBio) offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and highly international research environment with extensive state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities. Regular group meetings, seminars, and social activities foster a collaborative culture and provide strong academic and social support throughout the doctoral studies.

The doctoral student will join the research group of Associate Professor Cecilia Geijer (Geijer Group), which explores yeast biodiversity to discover and characterize novel yeast species and develop them for applications in biotechnology, food systems, and sustainable bio‑based technologies. The project is embedded in an international network and will be conducted in close collaboration with researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the University of Gothenburg, and Imperial College London, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific exchange.

About the research project

Honeybees are vital pollinators that support biodiversity and global food production, yet their populations are increasingly threatened by disease. This project investigates whether naturally occurring yeasts found in honey and the hive environment can protect bees by suppressing pathogens or promoting health through probiotic effects.

Using a unique collection of more than 2,500 yeast isolates from Swedish honey, the research aims to identify beneficial yeasts and understand how they interact with bees and bee pathogens. The long‑term goal is to develop sustainable strategies that improve pollinator health and strengthen resilient food systems.

The project provides excellent opportunities to develop both fundamental and applied research skills and contribute to innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture and food production.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (120 credits) or a Master's degree (60 credits) in biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a similar field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proven work experience in a biotechnology laboratory setting.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently, collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to a positive research environment.

For students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4‑year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• University courses or equivalent in eukaryotic microbiology, analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, and ecology.
• Know‑how of HPLC/GC‑MS or other analytical techniques, genome‑editing techniques, and omics technologies.
• Previous coursework or research experience in pollinator biology, insect‑microbe interactions, apiculture, or related fields.

What you will do

• Conduct independent research within the project area, including experimental design, data generation, analysis, and interpretation.
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results verbally and in writing.
• The position generally also includes teaching at the undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 10‑20 percent of the working hours.
• Collaborate with peers internally and externally.

Contract terms

• The doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed‑term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20% extending the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1, 2026).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidised day‑care, free schools, and healthcare are available.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

General information about doctoral studies at Chalmers is available.