PhD position in silicon biosensor chip

Electrification and digitalisation are among the largest areas for the future in the conversion to sustainable societies. The Department of Electrical Engineering conducts successful research and education in the areas - renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, industrial IoT, 6G communication and wireless sensor networks as well as research and education within Life Science, smart electronic sensors and medical systems. The Department of Electrical Engineering is an international workplace with around 150 employees that all contribute to important technical energy and health challenges at the Ångström Laboratory.

The position will be at the division of Solid-State Electronics, at the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Project description
The PhD candidate selected for this position will utilize advanced nanofabrication technology, originally developed for silicon integrated circuits, to create silicon sensor chips for single-cell and single-molecule analysis. These sensor chips have the potential to provide fundamental insights into cellular and molecular heterogeneity, deepening our understanding of the biological mechanisms of diseases. Additionally, this research could contribute to the development of innovative diagnostic tools and novel treatment options. Device fabrication, materials analysis and electrical characterisation will be carried out using Ångström cleanroom facilities as well as the state-of-the-art sensor characterisation laboratory at Prof. Zhen Zhang’s group.

We have an exciting work environment designed by the doctoral student and the research team together. The doctoral student will be supervised by at least two supervisors. The Department of Electrical Engineering also gives a salary supplement in addition to the local guidelines for doctoral students at Uppsala University.

Duties

• Design, fabrication and evaluation of silicon sensor chip with novel nanosensor designs for different applications.
• System integration with sample preparation, data acquisition and data processing units.
• The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties. No more than 20%.

Requirements

• The applicant must hold a master degree of science in 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.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• We will put emphasise on your personal qualities such as good collaborations and communication skills with other researchers. You should be purposeful, structured and be able to work effectively both individually and in groups. 

Additional qualifications

• Research experience in cleanroom labs is meriting 

Application
Please use the link below. You should include a brief description of your research interests and relevant experience, a CV, copies of diplomas and certificates, thesis (or a draft thereof) and other relevant documents. You are encouraged to provide contact information to reference.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2025-09-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Zhen Zhang, e-mail: zhen.zhang@angstrom.uu.se, phone: +46(0)18-471 3131.

Please submit your application by May 15th 2025, UFV-PA UFV-PA 2025/730.

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