Doctoral student in Biomedical engineering with a focus on nanofluidic interfacing to masspectrometry

Description of the workplace

The Department of biomedical engineering has a primary research focus in six areas: Lab-on-a-chip/Nanobiotechnology, Biomechanics, Clinicial proteomics, Biomedical signal processing, Medical ultrasound and Neurotechnology. The Lab-on-a-chip and Nanobiotechnology research area has a long track record in life science microfluidics and holds a frontier position in lab-on-a-chip technology and acoustofluidics research with focus on both fundamental fluid mechanics and acoustophysics as well as life science applications of lab-on-a-chip. Read more at the Department's webbpages: Nanobiotechnology at the Dep of Biomecical Engineering.

Subject description

Microscale acoustofluidics, i.e. the actuation and manipulation of fluids and microparticles in microfluidic channels, enables exquisit spatial control of particles as well as microdroplet formation in fluid jets.

The position comprises research and development in the field of biomedical engineering with a focus on optimizing and expanding the current state of art in acoustofluidics employed to microscale fluid jet formation and controlled droplet generation. Emphasis will be put on the development of microscale acoustofluidic devices where two phase (flows gas/liquid) are combined to enable high fidelity control of droplet formation from low volumetric flowrate microfluidic systems. 

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%).

The main goal of the research is to expand on the current state-of-the-art in microdroplet generation techniques and overcome the current limitations for droplet-based sample injection in mass spectrometry.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• theoretical modelling of new microfluidics systems design
• device manufacturing
• investigations of acoustic fluid manipulation
• studies of two phase fluid flows with respect to droplet formation dynamics

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:

• 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:

• documented experience in fluid mechanics modelling including two phase flow and droplet formation dynamics
• documented experience in experimental work on two phase flow dynamics
• documented experience in acoustic actuation of fluid jets
• documented  experience in micro- and nanotechnology clean room fabrication
• documented experience in microchip interfacing to masspectrometry
   

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.).

Welcome to apply!