项目介绍

2026年4月15日

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

Doctoral position in Medical science  

Project title: Identification of mechanisms and patterns of microglial activation in neurological disorders

The Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry is located at the Institute of Neuroscience and physiology at the Faculty of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.

General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university’s doctoral student pages. 
https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies

Duties   

The PhD education in Medical Science comprises carrying out a scientific project and completing at least 30 credits of courses at third-cycle level. The doctoral student must also write a scientific compilation thesis or monograph corresponding to at least 120 credits. For more information about third-cycle studies at Sahlgrenska Academy, see https://www.gu.se/en/sahlgrenska-akademin/doctoral-studies

Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.    

As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.  

Project description: 
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a widespread neurotropic virus that can cause herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), a rare but severe central nervous system (CNS) infection associated with high mortality and long-term neurological impairment. Despite antiviral treatment, outcomes vary considerably, highlighting limited understanding of host immune responses. In parallel, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, remains incurable, with increasing evidence pointing to neuroinflammation and microglial dysfunction as key drivers of disease progression. Microglia, the brain’s resident innate immune cells, play a central role in both antiviral defense and neurodegeneration. While they help control infections such as HSV-1, excessive or dysregulated activation can contribute to neuronal damage. Genetic studies further show that much of the risk for late-onset AD is linked to immune-related pathways in microglia. Emerging data also suggest that neurotropic viruses, particularly herpesviruses, may act as environmental risk factors for dementia, potentially interacting with genetic susceptibility.

The overall aim of this research is to elucidate how microglial immune responses contribute to both acute viral encephalitis and chronic neurodegenerative disease. By linking viral infection, immune activation, and neurodegeneration, this work aims to uncover shared mechanisms and identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for both HSE and AD.

To achieve these aims, the project integrates experimental and clinical approaches, including molecular and cellular studies of microglial signaling, biomarker discovery in cerebrospinal fluid and blood, and genetic and epidemiological analyses. Experience in microglial biology and innate antiviral immunity, as well as experience with relevant research methodologies such as iPSC-based disease modeling, is considered meritorious.

Eligibility   

Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.  

The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:    

1. having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
2. the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or  
3. the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad. 

Specific entry requirements for this subject, according to the general syllabus, are: 
having completed the English B/6 course or is considered to have acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies

Assessment criteria   

The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies. The assessment shall attach particular importance to documented qualifications for:

– specific knowledge and skills within the subject area and related research fields
– experience of scientific theory and relevant research methodology
– scientific analysis and presentation verified through an academic paper, degree project, scientific
journals or the like.

Admission and employment   

Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.

The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.

Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.

A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years.

Location: Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and physiology. Extent: 100%. First day of employment: as agreed.

The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.

Please note, doctoral studies at the Institute of Neuroscience and physiology require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, the institute has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.

Contact information 

For more information about the project please contact the project supervisor,
Stefanie Fruhwürth, Institute of Neuroscience and physiology,
e-mail: stefanie.fruhwurth@gu.se

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:   
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande   

Application   

You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.   

It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.   

You must include the following, in pdf format

• Personal letter
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement
• Proof of completion of English 6 course or the acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies

If your degree is from a university outside of Sweden, make sure that you attach a diploma and full transcripts that makes assessing your degree easier.  

For information on what you need to submit in order to fulfill the English language requirement see https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/

Applications must be received by: 2025-05-05

Information for International Applicants 

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: 

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services 
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ 

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.