Doctoral student in Physics within the discipline of development of biosensors based on nanostructured surfaces

Description of the workplace 

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 with novel photonic properties for the rapid analysis of single molecules based on immunofluorescence with much higher sensitivity than is possible today. After a development phase with model molecules, the ultimate goal is to use the platform for biomedical research or diagnostics. The research is partly done in collaboration with industry.

For more information see Division of Solid State Physics, NanoLund,

Work duties

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, and carriers of nucleotide-based drugs.
• Improvement and development of microfluidic methods to minimize losses of analytes and/or to allow simultaneous analysis of several different biomarkers (multiplexing).

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 Research Portal Heiner Linke and Fredrik Höök, Professor of Nano- and Biophysics, Chalmers University of Technology Chalmers Research Fredrik Höök  

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 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 higher education credits at advanced level relevant to the subject, including an advanced project of at least 15 higher education credits at advanced level, or
• a Master's degree in physics or a related 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 are 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. 

Welcome to apply!