Doctoral student in Physics within the discipline of development of biosensors based on nanostructured surfaces - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Solid State Physics

The PhD position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, where extensive research is carried out centred on various aspects of nanophysics, ranging from materials science to bio- and quantum physics to various applications. The Division is a central part of NanoLund, Lund University's large interdisciplinary research centre on nanoscience and nanotechnology. The Division includes Lund Nano Lab, a central and shared facility for the production of materials and components at the nanoscale. The Division has a strong commitment to undergraduate education, not least in the Master's programme "Engineering Nanoscience" at LTH.

Research area

A considerable part of the research in the division is in the field of nanobiotechnology where we develop new methods to investigate biological systems and exploit biomolecules within nanocomponents. The Division is leading a project to develop nanowire-based platforms for rapid analysis of single molecules based on immunofluorescence. After a development phase with model molecules, the ultimate goal is to detect markers for e.g. cancer directly in samples derived from clinical work, without the need for chemical reprocessing, and with much higher sensitivity than is possible today.

For more information see www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lu.se,

Work assignments

The focus of the project is to develop and improve immunofluorescence-based detection methods for biomolecules on nanostructured surfaces, based on fundamental biophysical understanding.

Sub-projects are:

• Optimize a fluorescence-based method for the detection of model molecules using vertical nanowires so that the optical signal is maximally amplified to enable very low detection limit;
• Adapt the method for other molecules of clinical or pharmaceutical importance, which may be cell surface markers, tumorigenic genetic lesions, or carriers of nucleotide-based drugs.

Methods may include bioanalytical and biochemical methods, fluorescence microscopy, TIRF, microfluidics, surface modification, nanofabrication, and image analysis.

Supervisors of the project are Heiner Linke, Professor of Solid State Physics, Lund University www.nano.lu.se/heiner-linke and Fredrik Höök, Professor of Nano- and Biophysics, Chalmers University of Technology https://www.chalmers.se/en/staff/Pages/Fredrik-Höök.aspx

The PhD student is expected to work independently as well as in close collaboration with other researchers associated with the project.

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%).

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 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 in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Finally, the student must be deemed to have the necessary ability to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Finally, the student must be deemed to have the necessary ability to complete the programme.

Basis of assessment

Selection for doctoral education is based on assessed ability to perform well in the doctoral programme. The assessment of ability is based primarily on the results of studies at undergraduate and graduate level.

The following are taken into account:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the dissertation work and the subject of the course, see Work assignments. These can be demonstrated by the documents attached.
• Assessed ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle scientific problems. The assessment may be based, for example, on the master thesis and a discussion of the master thesis during an interview.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• other experience relevant to the doctoral programme, e.g. professional experience.

Desirable qualifications

• Ability to assimilate new techniques and knowledge quickly.
• The undergraduate degree should include courses in physics and biophysics. In addition, the research is largely interdisciplinary, such that broad expertise and experience in relevant areas of physics, biotechnology and micro/nanoscience is of value.
• The ability to work laboratory-based will be essential, and experience of experimental work is an advantage, especially with respect to biochemical and molecular biology methods (e.g. immunoassays) and fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience of working with single-molecule image analysis (e.g. Picasso).
• Experience of collaboration between academia and the private sector.
• Experience in working with semiconductor nanowires.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, as well as to the candidate's experience and competence to complete the postgraduate studies.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to doctoral studies may be employed as doctoral students. The doctoral programme is four years of full-time study. In the case of teaching and other departmental work, employment is extended accordingly, up to a maximum of five years (i.e. a maximum of 20%). Employment as a doctoral student is regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications must be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons as to 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 include a CV, a degree certificate or equivalent, a copy of the degree project or equivalent, or a summary if the project has not been completed, and any other information you wish to be considered in the evaluation (copies of grades, references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Applicants are also asked to answer the selection questions, which is the first step in the application process.

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.