Doctoral student in Analytical Chemistry with focus on cell-based miniaturized electroanalytical systems

Analytical chemistry is one of the fundamental chemistry subjects that aims at developing new analytical techniques and methods to identify, quantify and study the structure and function of molecules within a range of fields such as food science, environmental science, biotechnology/bioenergy, medical, and pharmaceutical science.

The PhD student will be placed within the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (CAS) at the Department of Chemistry, which is a highly international unit that strives for fair treatment and gender equality. The position is funded by a Swedish Research Council project and is linked to the highly cross-disciplinary EU project OpenMIND (https://openmind.dtu.dk), funded by the EIC Pathfinder program. This means that it involves close collaboration with researchers at Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology at Wallenberg Neuroscience Centre (https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/lucat/group/v1000406), Division of Applied Microbiology (www.tmb.lth.se), and the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark in Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark (www.bioengineering.dtu.dk). The position is a great opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research with international authorities in the different fields and with the opportunity for international research stays and visits.

The purpose of the PhD project is to develop cell-based miniaturized electroanalytical systems in close collaboration with PhD students and postdocs in the OpenMIND project with the aim to study how gut microorganisms and their metabolites may influence the gut-brain axis with focus on Parkinson´s disease (PD).

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 also include teaching and other departmental duties (not more than 20%).

The scientific work will involve a) development and characterization of miniaturized chip-based electroanalytical systems having integrated compartments which allows culturing and analysis of cells or organoids representative of PD (in collaboration with OpenMIND researchers) and b) investigating how and if this PD model is affected by different gut microbiota.

Admission requirements

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

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification (master´s degree), 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 Analytical Chemistry if the applicant has:

• At least 120 credits, which must consist of chemistry courses, of which at least 30 credits must be a thesis at an advanced level within the chosen specialization or closely related specializations.
• Special eligibility may also have been obtained through other equivalent education, which is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  

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:

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

Other assessment criteria (desired but not required):

• Experience in development and/or application of miniaturised analytical systems
• Experience with electroanalytical applications/electrochemistry
• Experience in culturing of cells (bacteria and/or mammalian cells)
• Industrial experience in topics relevant to field in question
• Has a curiosity to learn new things and increase own knowledge, especially in interdisciplinary environments.
• Good ability to work independently and to formulate and solve scientific questions.

• Good ability to collaborate, endurance, stability, and personal maturity, and ability to organize and structure the work.

Consideration will also be given to 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. 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 (1/2 - 1 page) 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.).