Reference: REF 2026-0382

Deadline: 31 August 2026

Chalmers University of Technology (Gothenburg, Sweden) is inviting applications for a fully funded, four-year PhD position in the Division of Industrial Biotechnology, Department of Life Sciences. The successful candidate will join the Geijer Group to investigate how naturally occurring yeasts from honey and hive environments can protect honeybee health — screening a collection of over 2,500 Swedish yeast isolates for beneficial, pathogen-suppressing, or probiotic properties. The work sits at the intersection of microbiology, biotechnology, and pollinator health, and involves collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the University of Gothenburg, and Imperial College London.

Who should apply

1. Master's degree (120 credits) or equivalent (60-credit magisterexamen, or a 4-year Bachelor's for candidates trained outside Sweden) in biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field
2. Strong written and spoken English
3. Demonstrated laboratory experience in biotechnology
4. Solid interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to work both independently and in multidisciplinary teams

An added advantage

1. Coursework in eukaryotic microbiology, analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, or ecology
2. Familiarity with HPLC/GC-MS, genome editing, or omics techniques
3. Prior exposure to pollinator biology, insect–microbe interactions, or apiculture

What's on offer

1. Full funding from day one, starting salary SEK 35,725/month (from May 2026)
2. A four-year contract (extendable to five years with up to 20% teaching duties)
3. Access to advanced coursework through Chalmers' Graduate School of Bioscience
4. A collaborative, internationally connected research environment in Gothenburg

To apply: Submit a CV, personal letter (introducing yourself and your motivation for the role), and your Bachelor's/Master's thesis with transcripts, all as PDFs, via the official Chalmers application portal.

Enquiries: Assoc. Prof. Cecilia Geijer - cecilia.geijer@chalmers.se

🔗 Apply here