Doctoral student in biomedical engineering with a focus on acoustofluidics

Description of the workplace

Our research group is well recognized within the acoustofluidics field and our fundamental experimental studies on acoustic forces acting on microparticles in microchannels. The research is closely linked to the research at the medical faculty within both biomedical and clinical research, with the goal to develop new technology to sort, manipulate and analyse cells and extracellular vesicles. The research is performed in laboratories both at the Engineering faculty and at the Biomedical Centre at Lund University. 

Being a doctoral student 

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University. 

As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach to adopt critical and analytical thinking, to solve problems independently using existing as well as your own developed methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis defence and a doctoral degree.

More about being a doctoral student at LTH - lth.se. 

Subject and project description

The position focus on research and development within the field of biomedical engineering with an emphasis on acoustofluidics. Special focus will be put on the development of microfluidic systems based on acoustofluidic chromatography and enrichment (trapping) of nanoparticles, especially extracellular vesicles and biomolecular analysis of these.

Work duties

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral programme, which includes participation in research projects as well as third cycle courses, seminars and conferences. 

The research will encompass the development of liquid chromatographic methods in combination with acoustic fields in microscale devices for enrichment and separation of nanoparticles and extracellular vesicles. 

The work duties include:

• Research within acoustofluidics, nanoparticle isolation and analysis
• Bioanalytical and biomolecular analysis of extracellular vesicles
• Design, development and manufacturing of acoustofluidic microsystems
• Publication of research results in well-respected scientific journals
• Presentation of research results at international scientific conferences.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above
• The duties may also include participation in teaching and other departmental work (however, a maximum of 20% of working hours).

Qualifications 

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

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 field of study.

Additional requirements

To complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study (e.g. acoustofluidics, microfluidic device development and manufacturing, nanoparticle and extra cellular vesicle isolation and analysis, programming, lab-on-a-chip technology, chromatography).
• Very good analytical abilities (problem solving, analyzing data etc.)
• Goal oriented (persistent, well organized etc.)
• Good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Good ability to cooperate
• Very good knowledge of English, spoken and written

Other qualifications 

For the doctoral programme in question, the following are considered as other qualifications: 

• Master's degree in biomedical engineering or biotechnology
• Experience in acoustofluidic microsystem device development, design and manufacturing
• Experience in acoustic nanoparticle trapping in microbead packed columns 
• Experience in microchip chromatography
• Experience in isolation and analysis of extracellular vesicles
• Experience in handling medical/clinical samples 
• Experience in protein and RNA analysis 
• Experience in data analysis and data visualization
• Experience in COMSOL and Python programming

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 

More about working at Lund University - on Lund University's website. 

About the employment 

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting as soon as possible. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

More about terms of employment for doctoral students - on Lund University’s Staffpages. https://www.staff.lu.se/research-and-education/research-support/doctoral-education/terms-employment-doctoral-students

Other

Selected top candidates will be called for an on-line interview shortly.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include: 

• CV and a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the doctoral programme/employment and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.
• Copies of issued study certificates and/or awarded degree certificates. These must confirm that you meet the general and specific admission requirements for the doctoral programme and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral programme project. 
• Other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.)
• Don’t append publications

We look forward to receiving your application!