PhD student position in life science engineering focused on microfluidic solutions for organoid development - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Microsystems Technology is today part of the Department of Engineering Sciences. As of 2020-01-01 the Department of Engineering Sciences will be divided in three new departments. The Division of Microsystems Technology will belong to the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. 

PhD student position in life science engineering focused on microfluidic solutions for organoid development

Admittance to PhD education in the subject Engineering Science with specialization in Microsystems Technology

Research group: In the EMBLA research group, we develop novel approaches in microfabrication and integrate our systems with microfluidics to develop new experimental platforms for visualisation and characterisation of cells to learn more about the human biology. EMBLA is part of the Division of Microsystems Technology (MST), Department of Materials Science and Engineering and is located at the Ångström Laboratory.

More information on the research group's profile is available in the website:

www.teknik.uu.se/mikrosystemteknik/embla

Research project and work duties: Organoids are self-assembled cellular constructs with great potential as next generation in vitro tools for pharmaceutical development, toxicology studies and developmental neurobiology. The current bottle neck in translating the technology to industrial use is however the existing challenges with generating large quantities of homogenous organoids. This project, funded by the Swedish Research Council, aims to address this technological challenge and provide a microfluidic solution for organoid maturation and organoid screening. During the last five years the EMBLA research group has developed an acoustic based technique for particle manipulation in two-phase systems and this project will build upon that expertise and transfer the technology to viscous droplets. 

Your responsability will be to design and fabricate the microfluidic systems. You will also be responsible for the acoustic evaluation of the system as well as its applications for 3D cell cultures.  You are also expected to communicate your scientific findings in journal articles and present your work at international conferences. A theoretical aspect of the work will be carried out together with collaborators at The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and biological characterization will be assisted by collaborators at Stockholm University.

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%).

Qualifications: We are looking for a creative and highly motivated candidate who, at the agreed start date, will have completed an undergraduate degree at Master’s level or equivalent (e.g. Civil Engineering), with specialization in engineering physics, materials engineering, biotechnology or in another appropriate discipline. Experience in fabrication and use of microfluidic systems, especially droplet microfluidic systems, is meriting. Experience in acoustic manipulation techniques is also highly meriting. Experience in cell culture, cell staining protocols and microscopy is also meriting but not a requirement.

We give great importance to personal qualifications of the candidates. We are looking for a pro-active person with great ability to work independently as well as to function well in collaborations. It is also important that the candidate has enthusiasm for a doctoral program and is motivated to learn new methods and technologies. The candidate also needs to be confident to communicate research results and have a strong analytical ability. The candidate must also have good knowledge of English, both in oral and in writing.

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.

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

Instructions for application:

Your application should include the following:

1) A letter describing yourself, your research interests, why you want to pursuit a PhD, and why you are a suitable person for the research project described

2) CV (max. 2 pages)

3) A copy of your Master diploma and complete list of your course grades

4) Name and contact details (address, email address and phone number) to at least two references

5) A list of relevant publications (including master thesis)

The application should be written in 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

Starting date: Spring 2020 or by appointment.

Scope of employment: 100 %

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

For further information about the position please contact:

Dr. Laurent Barbe, Tel: 018-471 7235 E-mail: laurent.barbe@angstrom.uu.se

Prof. Maria Tenje, Tel: 018-471 7061 E-mail: maria.tenje@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application no later than the 24th of February 2020, UFV-PA 2019/4563. 

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.