PhD student in Physics within the discipline of a Biophysics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The research at the division of Solid State Physics within the Physics Department is focused around different aspects of nanophysics, ranging from materials science to quantum physics, to different applications. The division plays a central role in NanoLund, the major interdisciplinary research environment within nanoscience and nanotechnology at Lund University, and it hosts Lund Nano Lab, 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.

A significant part of the research at the division is in the area of nano-biotechnology, where we develop new methods to investigate biological systems, and to use biomolecules in nanodevices. In collaboration with the medical faculty, we develop devices and nanostructures for biosensing, for manipulating and interogating living cells. More information can be found at: www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lu.se, https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/christelle-prinz.

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%).

Interfacing nanostructures and living cells for achieving longitudinal single cell sequencing, as well as developing devices for biomarker detection. This includes nanofabrication, cell culture, fluorescence and STED microscopy, image analysis and optimization of the devices.

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

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 Physics if the applicant 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.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

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:

• Knowledge of fluorescence and STED microscopy
• Knowledge of Nanofabrication
• Basic knowledge of Python, COMSOL, FIJI
• Experience of cell culture
• Experience of experimental work with live cell imaging

The research is to a large extent interdisciplinary, and a broad competence profile and experiences from relevant areas of nanoscience, physics and biophysics are of special value. 

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

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

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 §§.

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.).

Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions in the final step of the application process.

Welcome to apply!