PhD student in Sustainable Biomedical Devices

The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) is, with about 160 employees, one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University. A significant part of the teaching activities is at the undergraduate level with courses in General, Physical, Inorganic, and Analytical Chemistry. The teaching at the graduate level focuses on the master programs in Sustainable Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry. Research activities at MMK focus primarily on materials, and include different classes such as ceramics, glasses, self-assembled, porous materials, and soft matter. The projects often encompass synthesis and characterization by X-ray, neutron diffraction, electron microscopy, solid-state NMR, and computer modelling of materials with a potential for various applications. Research activities in the area of bioelectronics focus on advanced materials, fabrication methods, and their application to advance state-of-the-art bioelectronic devices. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more: https://wise-materials.org

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School, an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Project description

Project title: Biodegradable pressure sensors

Supervisors: Assist. Prof. Erica Zeglio (main supevisor); Prof. Frank Niklaus (co-supervisor)

Transient technologies aim to ensure that all device components degrade after the intended use into non-toxic and even biologically friendly products. Key challenges are to develop materials that combine compatibility with fabrication processes, stable performance in environmental and/or physiological conditions (humidity, temperature, etc.), and safe biodegradation into non-toxic products. The project aims to develop organic bioelectronic devices that combine the properties needed for efficient function with a route for biodegradation in biological environments. The work is highly interdisciplinary, including materials development, device fabrication, and evaluation. It will address several research challenges, from fabrication of biomedical devices using degradable components to device operation for the timeframe required by the application, and materials degradation at physiological condictions after the device lifecycle.

The ideal applicant is proactive and equipped with a problem-solving mindset. The ambition to conduct interdisciplinary research within the broad breadth of material chemistry, device physics and microfabrication is an asset. Candidates with experience in device fabrication, characterization of electrochemical devices, and sensing technologies are encouraged to apply. The applicant should have good knowledge of English, both oral and written.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific entry requirements are described in the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of chemistry, materials science or a related subject. 

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
• capacity for analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency in English.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the post

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact the PI Erica Zeglio, erica.zeglio@mmk.su.se.

For general information about the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Prof. Niklas Hedin, niklas.hedin@mmk.su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!