PhD student in Automatic Control - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Automatic Control
Automatic Control is an exciting and broad subject, covering both deep mathematics and hands-on engineering. Historically it has been instrumental in many areas, from putting a man on the moon, to the development of the Internet. Today, driven by the need to engineer ever larger systems, Automatic Control has never been more relevant. It is crucial for secure operation of many cutting edge technologies, ranging from integration of renewable energy sources, cloud computing, robotics, Internet of Things and autonomous systems.

Does this sound interesting?

If so, you are welcome to apply for a position as PhD student at the Department of Automatic Control, a world class department with projects in all of the above areas. This time we look for PhD candidates for hemodynamic modelling and control.

This call is tied to a project on hemodynamic modelling and control, with the particular purpose to develop and study novel concepts in ex vivo heart evaluation. The research is conducted in close collaboration with thoracic surgery researchers at Lund University and Igelösa Life Science, who will also hold a co-supervisory role within the project.

Lund University and the Department of Automatic Control welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Job assignments
The PhD position lasts five years and consists of three main aspects:
- research project, including trips to conferences, seminars etc.,
- postgraduate courses, locally and internationally given (90 credits), and
- teaching (at most 20%), including lab supervision and exam responsibilities. This part also involves professional development working with equality and diversity, curriculum development, arranging events etc.

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Automatic Control if he or she has:

• knowledge corresponding to FRTF05 Automatic Control, Basic Course and a second cycle specialisation of relevance to the subject, or
• an MSc in engineering or equivalent.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good language analytic ability.
• Curiousness about research and teaching.
• Creativity with good ability for cooperation and networking.
• Proactivity.
• Persistence and a methodological way of working.

For the specific project, the following are desirable qualities:

• Experience of working in collaboration with medical researchers, relevant to the project of this call
• Experience of large animal laboratory research
• Ability to independently design medtech research equipment and software, an knowledge about aspects relevant to the process

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycles. Special attention is paid to the following:

• The results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular control engineering, mathematics and closely related topics.
• The ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Suitability for the specific project, as per the above list of desirable qualities.
• Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Assessment considerations include grades, certificates and references, as well as other relevant experience that demonstrates competences relevant to postgraduate studies in general, and the considered project in particular. In addition, the candidates will be judged by their drive, creativity and ability to cooperate and work independently.

The application, specifically concerning medical research background and experience, will be assessed by the collaborating medical researchers participating in the project.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% teaching and professional development). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

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 area 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.). Those applicants who will be called for interview, will likely be asked to perform a small test to demonstrate basic competence.