Doctoral student in Physics with focus on biophysics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Solid State Physics
The research at the division of Solid State Physics is focused around different aspects of semiconductor physics, ranging from materials science to quantum physics, and different applications. The division 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.

Research Area
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, deformability and electrical properties with precision that exceeds what is currently achievable using conventional technologies. Our goal is to develop novel devices and methods for sample preparation, diagnosis and biophysics for applications in biomedicine and biology.

The lab is well equipped with several setups for microfludics and fluorescence microscopy, cell culture labs, soft lithography lab, facilities for 3D printing. In addition, we have facilities for STED microscopy, capable of superresolution fluorescence imaging with resolution down to 30nm and with fluorescence lifetime and polarization capabilities.

Project description
The main research topic of the position is to develop a microfluidic platform for diagnosis of horse parasites. This is motivated by a need to prevent increasing prevalence of drug resistance as well as a desire to diminish suffering among the horses due to any parasite infection. By offering a simple hand-held tool for the horse owners to use, any intestinal parasite infections can be discovered early and be treated in a targeted fashion. The objective is to create a tool that is based on advanced microfluidics for purification of parasites from faeces. This is combined with a user-friendly microscope based on a cellphone platform.

More information can be found here: www.ftf.lth.se and 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 work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

• You are expected to be an active member of the research group and to participate in meetings and seminars. The position is part of a larger project where you will work together with researchers who represent the end users.
• Your main role is to develop microfluidics and optics to purify and detect parasites from complex samples.
• You are expected to participate in the planning and development of new structures and experiments in close collaboration with experts in veterinary medicine.

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

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programmes will be assessed individually. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Physics may be considered for admission.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Basis of assessment
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 the thesis project and the subject of the study. See section "Work duties". These can be evidenced using supplemented documents.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. The assessment can take place based on e.g. a master or bachelor thesis together with a discussion about this work during an interview.
3. Written and oral communication skills
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, biophysics and microfluidics. The research is to a large extent interdisciplinary, and a broad competence profile and experience from relevant areas of physics, biology and micro/nanoscience is of high value. The laboratory work skills are essential, specifically experience in clean-room work, 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.
• Very good communication skills.
• We are looking for a person who is structured, goal-oriented, dedicated to problem-solving, and has good self-awareness.

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 programme.

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.).

The applicant is also required to answer the job specific questions when submitting the application.

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.