PhD student in Analytical chemistry for point-of-care diagnostics of NTDs

The Department of Chemistry, with more than 200 employees, is one of the largest departments at Stockholm University. Its research spans all areas of chemistry such as analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic and structural chemistry as well as organic chemistry. There are many research projects from theory to experiment, from basic research to more applied projects often focusing on sustainable chemistry but also on advanced analytical methods for chemicals and materials. The Department has a very well-developed research infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment with qualified support from staff scientists.

The Department also hosts the Bachelor degree programme in chemistry and three Master's programmes: analytical chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and organic chemistry. PhD programmes are conducted in five areas: analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry.

Within Analytical Chemistry we develop advanced analytical separation techniques, lab-on-a-chip based sensing systems as well as data science methodology. 

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry and the Department of Organic Chemistry.

Project description

Project title: Point-of-care diagnostics of neglected tropical diseases

Supervisors: Dr Nicole Pamme (main supervisor); Dr Georgios Sotiriou (co-supervisor)

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of 24 conditions caused by several viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins. They affect >1 billion people and cause 200,000 deaths, mostly in impoverished communities in low- and middle-income countries. NTDs receive relatively small amounts of research effort and investment but contribute to an immense social and economic burden. Accurate, reliable and affordable diagnostic tests are critical to support prompt treatment choices, to guide public health decisions and to verify elimination.

In the Pamme Research Group we are designing microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices for clinical diagnostics as well as biomedical research, environmental analysis and the synthesis of smart materials. We have a particular focus on developing affordable and simple-to-operate methods for point-of-care clinical diagnostics. In previous projects we have investigated a range of nucleic acid-based analysis workflows for the detection of sexually transmitted infections in maternal health, for analysis of Covid in sputum samples, as well as bacteria in meat samples and fungal infections in crops.

In this project we will carry out research into developing point-of-care diagnostics for neglected tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis or leishmaniasis. These will be based on nucleic acids that are specific to the NTD. We will design a range of microfluidic analysis platforms and test nucleic acid extraction methods and amplification methods on-chip. The idea is that the platform and workflow can be carried out by staff in regional health clinics and we will test our devices with collaborators in Kenya.

The ideal applicant is creative, motivated, organised, has a problem-solving mindset and the ability to work both independently and in a team. Experience of and interest in microfluidic technology or bioanalysis is of advantage. The applicant should have a good knowledge of English, both orally and in writing.

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. 

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.

The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the candidate’s written motivation for seeking the position.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

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 Prof. Nicole Pamme, nicole.pamme@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@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.