Two PhD student positions in medical science

Description of the PhD project Severe infections caused by the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans are increasing in immuno-compromised people worldwide.A functional innate immune system can suppress the development of diseases caused by fungi.The innate immune system has been shown to be essential for an efficient antifungal defense in humans.Among the professional host phagocytes from the innate immune system only neutrophils are able to kill C. albicans.This underlines the crucial role of neutrophils.However, the factors that mediate fungal killing are not well defined yet.Our group is in particular interested in the molecular interaction between C. albicans and neutrophils.We approach this by investigating both, the pathogen and the neutrophil.One project will focus on the identification of fungal targets attacked by antimicrobial neutrophil proteins.The other project will approach from the other side and study the evasion strategies of C. albicans against these neutrophil effectors.The combined knowledge will help us to find previously unknown targets for novel antifungal therapeutics.These are required since currently available medication have strong side effects, are limited in range and more resistant C. albicans strains are emerging.Qualifications Applicants must hold or anticipate receiving within the next months a University degree equivalent to a European University Master degree.Applicants should have a high interest in the field of molecular infection biology and be willing to take on a scientific and technical challenge.Prior hands-on experience in molecular biology and microbiology is highly desirable.Special eligibility In order to be accepted to postgraduate education, it is required that the applicant has the following: 1. necessary knowledge from University higher education or corresponding education, and/or 2. special professional experience that is assessed in relation to the postgraduate education area, 3. necessary English language skills, both in writing and in speaking. Evaluation of these skills is made by having the intended PhD student present his/her research plan in English for the department board's designated postgraduate education group. Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.We look forward receiving your application!Se fullständig annons på: www.jobb.umu.se