Doctoral student in Biomedical engineering with a focus on Acoustophoretic particle manipulation  - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

About the Department

The Department of biomedical engineering holds a frontier position in acoustofluidics research with focus on both fundamental fluid physics in acoustic fields and life science applications of acoustofluidics (https://bme.lth.se/research-pages/nanobiotechnology-and-lab-on-a-chip/).

Subject description

Acoustophoresis, i.e. the contactless manipulation of micrometer sized cells by acoustic waves, has been employed in biomedical research to pattern cells, isolate circulating tumor cells and separate Leukocyte subpopulations. 

The position comprises research and development in biomedical engineering with a focus on optimizing and expanding the current state of art in acoustofluidics. Emphasis will be put on the development of microscale acoustofluidic devices for large-degree-of-freedom acoustic handling of cells, as well as, model-based optimisation and control.

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 main goal of the project is to expand on the current acoustofluidic cell manipulation techniques and overcome the current limitations on multiple fronts. One work package is aimed at expanding the degree of freedom of current technology and perform unit operations such as isolation of cells from a mixture, patterning cells, shaping cell clumps, and holding cells against a flow. Ideally, full control over the trajectories of multiple individual cells is achieved. 

The current device design will be revisited to increase throughput and achieve predictable acoustic fields based on in-silico chip-design.  

The project requires cell handling, cell staining, manipulating cells in different bulk acoustophoresis devices, redesigning the device, device manufacturing, applying machine learning for optimal control, device simulation, and programming of the device controller.

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• 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 the applicant has: 

• at least 45 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject.

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: 

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

Other assessment criteria:

• A strong background in cell handling and acoustofluidic particle manipulation
• A proven track record of good laboratory etiquette
• Knowledge of and interest in clean room fabrication, numerical and physical modelling, machine learning, topology optimization, and control theory
• Documented experience in acoustic particle manipulation
• Documented experience in acoustic manipulation of cells
• Documented experience in cell staining and culturing
• Documented experience in conducting thorough experimental work with attention to the detail
• Strong interest in physics and physical modelling
• Knowledge of control theory, numerical modelling and Matlab
• Experience in clean room fabrication with micro- and nanotechnology
• Relevant industry experience 

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, ambition, accuracy and independence, and how the applicant, through the applicants 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.). You are also asked to answer the selection questions.