Doctoral student in Biomedical Engineering (acoustics and microfluidics) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Doctoral student in Biomedical Engineering with focus on acoustics and microfluidics

Subject description
Biomedical engineering comprises theoretical and experimental activities based on engineering and addressing issues tied to medicine and biology.

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 work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The research activities involve development of a method to automatically detect the optimal driving frequency of acoustophoretic systems by analysis of the impedance spectra of acoustophoretic systems as measured via the piezoceramic component that is commonly used to actuate such systems. The research will further target the development of an automated feed-back loop control system for tuning the optimal driving frequency of acoustophoretic systems since this may vary over time.

The following are examples of tasks:

• Impedance spectrometry and analysis of impedance spectral data
• Design and manufacturing of acoustophoretic chips
• Construction and assembly of acoustophoretic systems
• Characterization of acoustophoretic systems with respect to acoustophysical parameters and ability to focus microparticles and/or cells
• Development of a platform for quantitative determination of the performance of acoustophoretic systems, e.g. the ability to focus microparticles over a wide range of frequencies.
• Image and data analysis
• Writing scientific publications and making illustrations
• Presenting research findings at scientific conferences
• Acting as assistant supervisor for undergraduate students
• Active participation at group meetings and seminars

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 substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
• A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Biomedical engineering if he or she has: at least 45 credits at advanced level with relevance for the subject.

It is required that the student is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle program.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

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 cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. Written and oral communication skills Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience. 

Other assessment criteria:

• Master’s degree preferably in Electrical engineering, Engineering physics, Nanotechnology engineering, Mechanical engineering, Biomedical engineering or similar.
• Experience within microfluidics
• Experience of acoustophoresis technology
• Experience of impedance spectrometry and analysis of electromechanical systems
• Experience of silicon and clean room microfabrication
• Experience from programming in Matlab, LabView or Python
• Experience from image- and data analysis

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle program.

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% departmental duties). 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 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.).

It is strongly recommended that the application contain a report from a Master or Bachelor level thesis or equivalent and optionally maximum one (1) scientific publication, conference proceeding or report that you have contributed to. Please state clearly your contribution to the work and state the name and affiliation of supervisor or project leader of the project.