Doctoral student in Micro and Nanotechnology for Biomolecular Sequencing - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Electrical engineering

Novel nanogap based platform for biomolecule decoding
Next-generation DNA sequencing approaches are vital for enabling fast and inexpensive sequencing of the genome of individual patients. However, current sequencing techniques are still too slow and expensive for sequencing genomes for healthcare practice on a large scale. There is also a need to expand high throughput analytics of clinical samples beyond DNA and identify native RNA as well as peptide sequences.  This doctoral project is a part of a consortium at KTH, with an interdisciplinary expertise in nanofabrication, microfluidics, signal processing, gene technology and clinical biomarkers. The aim of the consortium is to develop a novel high-throughput biomolecule decoding platform using electron tunneling detection, so-called quantum sequencing, based on new types of nanogap electrode and nanopore devices. The specific aims of this doctoral project will be to develop new routes to develop the surface chemistry of nanogaps to optimize the sequencing readout. Initial experiments will be done with synthesized biomolecules, mostly DNA, in combination with molecular biology amplification tools such as rolling-circle amplification. Later in the doctoral project specific aims will include categorizing clinically relevant biomarkers in cancer and neurobiology and develop the sequencing platform to allow for their identification. The nano-device surface modification and characterization, which will be done in the state-of-the-art cleanrooms and molecular biology labs at KTH (Albanova Nanofab, Electrum Laboratory and SciLifeLab).

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic international research environment in close cooperation with industries and advanced universities the world over.
• Life-long network through KTH's Alumni organization.
• A personal study plan to support your development within your areas of interest.
• A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement.
• Work and study in Stockholm, one of Europe´s fastest growing capitals, which is close to both nature and the sea.
• Help to relocate and get settled in Sweden and at KTH.
• As a doctoral student at the Department of Micro and Nanosystems you will be part of an interdisciplinary research constallation with > 40 members with different professional and cultural backgrounds.

Eligibility

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 degree at advanced level,
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
• in any other way acquired within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

Selection

In order to succeed as an doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. In the selection of the applicants, the following will be assessed:

• ability to independently pursue his or hers work,
• ability to collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyse and work with complex issues.

The successful applicant is expected to hold a M.Sc. degree in engineering physics, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, material science, or a corresponding degree from a major university.  Specializations in micro and nanosystem technology, surface science, bioanalytical methods and bioinformatics.

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those who are or have been admitted to third-cycle studies may be employed as a doctoral student. The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year and may thereafter be extended. Doctoral students may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

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

Applications must include the following elements:

• 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)
• Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Gender equality, diversity and zero tolerance against discrimination and harassment are important aspects of KTH's work with quality as well as core values in our organization.

For information about Processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

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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.