PhD student in physics, within the discipline biophysics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research at the division of Solid State Physics is focused around different aspects of semiconductor physics, ranging from materials science to quantum physics, to different applications. The PhD work is conducted in close collaboration with Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry. The division of Solid State Physics also leads NanoLund, the major interdisciplinary research environment within nanoscience and nanotechnology at Lund University. Lund Nano Lab is a central key facility for fabrication of material and devices on the nanoscale. The division is also heavily involved in the undergraduate education, especially within the “Engineering Nanoscience” program.

During the past ten years we have significantly expanded our microfluidics capabilities at the division. Specifically, we have developed label-free sorting schemes based on novel parameters such as shape and deformability with precision that exceeds what is currently achievable using conventional technologies.

The project is a so-called "FET-OPEN" with the acronym evFOUNDRY financed by EU within Horizon2020. It consists of six partners from six countries. The main theme of the project is microfluidic characterization and purification of extracellular vesicles based on their colloidal and interfacial properties for medical and biological applications using advanced nanotechnology. The work will take place in close collaboration with different disciplines within academia, industry and clinic.

More information is found at: www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lth.se, http://www.fkem1.lu.se/, https://tegen.ftf.lth.se/

Work duties
The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle Courses. 

The PhD student will work in an interdisciplinary project with responsibility for the development of advanced microfluidic soting mechanisms for extracellular vesicles based on surface properties and size. The work is primarily of experimental nature with focus on nano and microfabrication and design of sorting devices, but it also includes modeling using fluidics simulation tools. The experimental work spans a wide range of disciplines. It comprises advanced nanofabrication of nanopillars on surfaces, microfluidic control, assembly and characterization of structured lipid bilayers, and advanced microscopy. The PhD student will work in close collaboration with physical chemistry in Lund as well as other national and international collaborators in fluidics, biomedicine and biophysics.

Admission requirements
A formal requirement for doctoral studies in physics is:

• a university degree on advanced level within a related field, such as a Master's degree in physics or equivalent, or
• substantial advanced course work at the Master level, or comparable, including an independent research project.
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad. This can, for example, include studies in biophysics or physical chemistry where physics plays an important role.

A person meets the specific admission requirements if he or she has:

• at least 30 credits of relevance to the subject, including at least 15 second-cycle credits, and a second-cycle degree project of 15 credits of relevance to the field which in turn can be part of an exam in, for example, physical chemistry or biophysics, or
• an MSc in engineering in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Additional requirements:

Very good knowledge in spoken and written English is a requirement.

Assessment criteria
Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within this area, such as a broad and thorough preparation in physics. This can be documented by appended documents.
2. Estimated ability to work independently and the ability to formulate and solve scientific questions. This ability can be established, for example, based on undergraduate research experiences, a masters thesis or in a discussion of scientific problems during a possible interview.
3. Skills in written and oral communication.
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

We expect that your undergraduate studies include courses in physics, statistics, physical chemistry, biophysics and microfluidics. The research is to a large extent interdisciplinary, and a broad competence profile and experiences from relevant areas of physics, biology and micro/nanoscience are of special value. The ability for skillful laboratory work is essential, specifically experience in clean-room work, surface chemistry, microfluidics and culturing of cells and micro-organisms, as well as experience in working with optical microscopy. Important personal qualities are, beside creativity and a curious mind, the ability to work both independently and in a group and experience in the scientific interaction with researchers from other disciplines and in other countries. The applicant should be prepared to work in close collaboration with other partners within evFoundry.

Terms of employment
A PhD position is an employment with the main duty to be engaged in PhD studies according to the study plan. The duration of PhD studies is 4 years full time studies. In addition, those appointed to doctoral student position may be required to work with educational tasks, research and technical/administrative duties at a level of at most 20% of full time. The position is then extended correspondingly, however not longer than corresponding to 5 years full time employment. PhD positions are subject to special regulations. These can be found in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100, ch. 5, with updates). Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to PhD position.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions in the final step of the application process.