Postdoctoral position in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on power ultrasonics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Acoustofluidics Group at the Department of Biomedical Engineering mainly focuses on the emerging field of combining ultrasonics and microfluidics for particle and fluid manipulation in micro- and nanoscale, and it is one of the world-leading groups in this field. The interdisciplinary research carried out in the group ranges from fundamental work in physical acoustics and fluid dynamics to the applications in biomedicine. The group currently has four PIs and 14 scientists (PhD students, postdocs, and researchers) with different backgrounds. With the new PI joined recently, the group expands the research field to also include power ultrasonics. The group strives for an inclusive environment, based on collaboration and trust, where development towards an independent researcher is encouraged and supported. More information can be found on the website: Nanobiotechnology and Lab-on-a-chip.

This employment is placed at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, and includes a six months research visit in  the Ultrasonic Device Laboratory led by Prof. Takeshi Morita at Department of Precision Engineering, The University of Tokyo. Located in Hongo Campus of Japan’s best university, Prof. Morita’s group has been one of the world-leading groups in power ultrasonics and piezoelectric actuation for many years. More information can be found on the website: Ultrasonic Device Laboratory. 

Subject description

The project you will work on aims at developing high-power ultrasonic devices driven by lead-free piezoelectric materials. Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) has been the dominating driving source of high-power ultrasonic devices due to its excellent piezoelectric properties and mature fabrication techniques. However, PZT contains a high content of lead (~60% in mass), which may cause severe environmental issues and is consequently on EU’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive list of materials to be phased out. In this project, you will investigate the possibility to replace PZTs by lead-free piezoelectric materials in high-power ultrasonic devices without sacrificing their performance. Your research work will primarily focus on the construction of high-power ultrasonic devices and the experimental characterization of those devices. You will also develop a theoretical or a numerical model taken into account the nonlinearity under high-power conditions. You will communicate with the material scientists in both industry and academia. 

Work duties

The main duties involved in a postdoctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Building high-power ultrasonic devices
• Developing a platform for characterizing ultrasonic transducers and piezoelectric materials under high-power conditions
• Developing a theoretical or a numerical model including nonlinearity
• Collaboration with Prof. Morita’s group at The University of Tokyo
• Opportunities to supervise MSc degree projects 
• Assisting the group when seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a postdoctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• You have a very good oral and written proficiency in English
• You have a PhD degree or equivalent research qualification in power ultrasonics, piezoelectric transducers and devices, physical acoustics, or related 
• You can independently drive research projects of high quality, and you have documented experience of writing scientific publications
• You have demonstrated ability to work in teams and interact with a diverse group of scientists and technical staff in a dynamic environment 
• You are willing to conduct research in Japan for six months

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a postdoctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research
• Teaching skills 

Other qualifications:

• Experience in high-power ultrasonic devices, including but not limited to Langevin transducers, ultrasonic motors, high-intensity focused ultrasound transducers, etc
• Experience in experimental characterization of piezoelectric materials under high-power conditions
• Knowledge in piezoelectricity and piezoelectric materials
• Experience in general physical acoustics
• Experience in numerical simulations of ultrasonic devices using finite element method
• Scientific independence 

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

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. Work at Lund University

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of two years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

We are looking forward to receiving your application!