4 years Fully Funded PhD in Natural Sciences at University of Gothenburg, Sweden
The University of Gothenburg has announced an outstanding fully funded doctoral position in Natural Sciences with specialization in Biology. This opportunity is part of Sweden’s prestigious Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) initiative, one of Europe’s most ambitious research investments in computational biology, genomics, and artificial intelligence. For students interested in evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, machine learning, and mathematical modeling, this PhD offers the chance to work at the frontier of modern life sciences while earning a salaried doctoral degree in Sweden.
This doctoral position offers a rare combination of: Full financial support Cutting-edge computational biology research Access to Sweden’s national DDLS network Collaboration with leading scientists at SciLifeLab Strong international academic environment For students aiming to build a research career in evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics, or data-driven biology, this is one of the most competitive and intellectually rewarding PhD opportunities in Europe.
The DDLS PhD position in Biology at the University of Gothenburg represents a remarkable opportunity to join one of Europe’s most generously funded life science initiatives. With a strong salary, world-class mentorship, and access to advanced computational resources, this doctoral position is ideal for ambitious researchers eager to uncover the principles that shape evolution and biodiversity.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2026
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Employment Type: Full-time, fully funded doctoral employment
Duration: 4 years
Reference Number: PAR 2026/271
About the University of Gothenburg
Founded as one of Sweden’s leading research universities, the University of Gothenburg hosts approximately 58,000 students and 6,800 employees. The university is internationally recognized for its research excellence and interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly in life sciences, medicine, and environmental studies.
The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology is located in the state-of-the-art Natrium building at Medicinareberget, providing a world-class research environment in the heart of Gothenburg.
What Is the DDLS Program?
The Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) program is a national initiative led by SciLifeLab and supported by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.
With total funding of SEK 3.3 billion over 12 years, DDLS aims to train a new generation of scientists who combine biology with advanced computational methods and artificial intelligence.
The program spans four strategic research areas:
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Evolution and Biodiversity
- Precision Medicine and Diagnostics
- Epidemiology and Biology of Infection
- In 2026, DDLS will recruit 32 new PhD students, including 25 academic doctoral candidates and 7 industrial PhD students.
Research Project: Data-Driven Evolution and Biodiversity
This PhD project explores one of the most fundamental questions in biology: How do genomes and traits evolve under Darwinian selection? The selected doctoral student will investigate adaptation as a multi-objective optimization problem, where organisms balance competing demands. Examples include:
- Heat tolerance versus cold tolerance
- Antibiotic resistance versus growth rate
- Competing physiological and ecological trade-offs
The project will test whether optimization algorithms commonly used in engineering can explain how organisms evolve in high-dimensional trait spaces.
Core Research Methods
The successful applicant will work with cutting-edge computational approaches, including:
- Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO)
- Pareto-front analysis
- Machine learning
- Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
- Multivariate statistics
- High-throughput genomic analysis
Primary model systems include yeast and bacteria, but the computational framework will have broad applications across evolutionary biology.
Doctoral Duties and Responsibilities
Doctoral education in Sweden typically consists of four years of full-time study culminating in a publicly defended PhD thesis.
The appointed student will:
- Develop novel bioinformatics and mathematical methods
- Analyze large-scale genomic and phenotypic datasets
- Participate in coursework and seminars
- Contribute to research group activities
- Potentially validate predictions using laboratory evolution experiments
Up to 20% departmental duties, such as teaching, may be assigned, with a corresponding extension of employment.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet both general and specific eligibility criteria for doctoral studies in Sweden.
General Eligibility
You must have:
- A master’s degree (second-cycle qualification), or
- At least 240 ECTS credits, including 60 at the advanced level, or
- Equivalent qualifications obtained internationally
Specific Eligibility
A relevant advanced degree in one of the following fields:
- Bioinformatics
- Biostatistics
- Computational Biology
- Mathematical Biology
- Genetics
- Genomics
- Biological Engineering
English Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. The benchmark includes:
- TOEFL Paper-based: 550
- TOEFL CBT: 213
- TOEFL iBT: 79
Required Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate should have:
- Strong programming skills in Bash and Python
- Knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology
- Scientific curiosity and independence
- Ability to handle large multivariate datasets
Preferred Qualifications
Additional strengths include:
- Experience with DNA sequence, genotype, or phenotype data
- Familiarity with GWAS, population genetics, and selection analyses
- Knowledge of machine learning and clustering methods
Employment Conditions and Salary
In Sweden, PhD students are treated as employees rather than students, receiving a monthly salary and full employment benefits.
Employment Details
- Fixed-term doctoral employment under Swedish Ordinance SFS 1993:100
- Full-time (100%)
- Four-year duration
- Salary according to local doctoral salary agreement
- Social security, pension, parental leave, and vacation benefits
Salaries are revised as students progress through their doctoral studies.
Location: Living in Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg is Sweden’s second-largest city and one of Scandinavia’s most livable urban centers. It offers:
- High quality of life
- Excellent public transport
- Strong international community
- Proximity to nature and coastline
- Family-friendly environment
Required Application Documents
Applications must be submitted in English and include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Master’s thesis or equivalent research work
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- English proficiency certificate (TOEFL)
- Two references with contact details
All documents should be submitted as PDF files with clearly labeled filenames.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through APPLY NOW. Reference Number: PAR 2026/271 – Final Application Deadline: May 21, 2026
Contact Information
For scientific questions regarding the project, contact: Jonas Warringer
Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Gothenburg
Email: jonas.warringer@cmb.gu.se
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this PhD position fully funded?
Yes. The doctoral student is employed full-time by the University of Gothenburg and receives a salary with full Swedish employment benefits.
Do international students qualify?
Yes. Applicants from any country are welcome, provided they meet the academic and English language requirements.
What is the salary for PhD students in Sweden?
PhD salaries vary by institution and progression stage, but doctoral students in Sweden generally receive competitive monthly salaries along with healthcare, pension, and paid vacation.
Is laboratory work required?
The project is primarily computational, but may include experimental validation using microbial evolution studies.
What programming languages are required?
Applicants should be comfortable with Bash and Python. Experience with R or other data science tools is also advantageous.
What research topics are involved?
The project spans evolutionary biology, genomics, machine learning, GWAS, and multi-objective optimization.
Can I apply before completing my master’s degree?
Yes, if you will satisfy all eligibility requirements before the start date.
Is physical presence in Gothenburg required?
Yes. The department states that doctoral studies require on-site participation.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by May 21, 2026.
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