Doctoral student in Infection Biophysics and Microengineering

Third-cycle subject: Biological Physics

The Hannebelle Lab at the Division of Biophysics Department of Applied Physics studies the physical mechanisms of infection. We are based at KTH and SciLifeLab in Stockholm ( We are seeking a PhD student to study the biophysics of schistosome skin infection. Schistosomiasis affects over 200 million people worldwide and is among the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases. Infection begins when schistosome parasites penetrate intact human skin from freshwater a multi-hour process that remains largely uncharacterized in biophysical terms. Using in-vivo-mimetic systems this project will investigate how these parasites find penetrate migrate through and exit the skin and what physical mechanisms govern each step. The work is highly interdisciplinary bringing together microfluidics and organ-on-chip platforms custom microscopy cell culture 3D printing and hardware design and biophysical modeling. We do not expect applicants to arrive with expertise in all of these. What matters most is a demonstrated ability to learn new methods a willingness to work across disciplines and genuine curiosity about how physical principles shape biological processes. We are a young research group with a bold scientific vision committed to supporting each members growth into a skilled and independent researcher. You will join us at SciLifeLab in Solna.

Supervision: Martin Viklund and Melanie Hannebelle is proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7 39 Swedish Higher Education Ordinance) the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a masters degree) or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits or
• acquired in some other way within or outside the country substantially equivalent knowledge

The applicant should preferably have a Masters degree in infection biology biophysics applied physics biotechnology biomedical engineering or a closely related field.

In addition to the above there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

The project is highly interdisciplinary: microfluidics cell culture parasite handling custom microscopy 3D printing and biophysical modeling. Prior experience in some of these is valued but not expected in all. Above all we look for a demonstrated ability and enthusiasm to learn new methods.

After the qualification requirements great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years time. An employed doctoral student can to a limited extent (maximum 20%) perform certain tasks within their role e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

As a doctoral student you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTHs Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) KTH Sweden.

Contact information forunion representatives.

Contact information forPhD chapter.

Apply for the position and admission through KTHs recruitment system. It is the applicants responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must include the following elements:

• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these of originals must be certified.
• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicants such cases a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement the Swedish version takes precedence.

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