PhD student position with a research focus on detection of single molecules using a new phototransistor - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The position is in the discipline Engineering Sciences with specialization in Electronics at the Ångström Laboratory, Department of Engineering Sciences, Division of Solid State Electronics.

The research aims at exploring an entirely new optoelectronic device concept for detection of single biomolecules in electrolytes. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with scientists and engineers in physics, biochemistry, electronics and materials science.

Background: Rapid and accurate screening of molecular markers is essential for diagnosis of many diseases as well as for monitoring of therapeutic progress. Available molecular and mass spectrometry-based technologies such as PCR- and sequencing-based approaches, although frequently used for diagnostic purposes, are limited by the speed and affordability.

Work description: The research within this doctoral student project will be centered on the detection of single biomolecules, especially DNA and proteins, in electrolytes using an entirely new type of phototransistor. Design, manufacture, characterization and modeling of this new phototransistor as an ultra-sensitive biosensor are included in the doctoral studies. Device manufacturing, material analysis and optoelectronic characterization will be carried out in the Myfab-Uppsala cleanroom laboratory at the Ångström Laboratory and in our advanced optoelectronic characterization laboratory. The project further includes the use of advanced optical methods (e.g., near-field optics, ultrahigh-resolution microscope, confocal microscope) as well as “Förster-resonant energy transfer” (FRET) to develop a microchip-based platform with high throughput, which should enable rapid identification of molecules and sequencing of genetic and proteomic materials.

Qualifications required: Successful candidates should have a master’s degree in physics, engineering physics, chemistry, materials science, electrical engineering or equivalent. Candidates with a bachelor degree, with at least 240 ECTS, in one of the aforementioned disciplines can also be considered, but in such a case the candidate must have demonstrated exceptional records in university learning. The interdisciplinary nature of the project requires close collaboration with researchers and engineers in electronics, physics, biotechnology, surface chemistry, genomics and proteomics, both within and outside the research group. Curiosity and ambition in learning and solving cross-disciplinary issues is a necessity for success. Good ability to work in teams is a requirement. We require good oral and written proficiency in English.

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she:

• 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.

The doctoral education is normally for four years, extendable to a maximum of five years including departmental duties at a level of at most 20% (typically teaching). Further information: http://www.teknik.uu.se and http://www.teknat.uu.se. In order to be eligible for this position, the candidate must be admitted or in the process of being admitted as a doctoral student at Uppsala University.

Application: Use the link below. Applications should include a brief description of research interest and previous experiences, a CV, copies of diplomas, degrees, transcripts and grades, a copy of your master thesis (or a draft thereof) and other relevant documents. The candidates are requested to provide letter(s) of recommendation and contact information to reference persons.

Rules governing Ph.D. candidates are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala university's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/search/?hits=30&languageId=1&search-language_en=English

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students and teaching assistants.
 
Starting date: as soon as possible. 

Type of position: Full time position, four years.

For further information about the position please contact Prof. Shili Zhang, 018-4717247, e-mail shili.zhang@angstrom.uu.se. Information about the division of Solid State Electronics can be found at www.teknik.uu.se/fte.

Please submit your application by 31 March 2019, UFV-PA 2019/183.

In case of disagreement between the English and the Swedish version of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.