Admission to PhD Program in Technical Physics with a Focus on Medical Technology

at the Department of Medical Technology, Materials Science Division, Uppsala University

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Join Us!

The Department of Materials Science aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education focused on materials science solutions for significant societal challenges. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focuses. The Department of Medical Technology is part of the Materials Science Division at the Ångström Laboratory. We conduct research on the development and evaluation of new materials in interaction with biological systems to understand the underlying principles of this.

Project Description

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, and many cancer forms show resistance to standard treatments, posing significant challenges for healthcare and research. There is a growing interest in microsystems that can mimic the local physiology of tumors and thus serve as a platform for identifying and optimizing therapeutic candidates. Our research group specializes in developing technologies to analyze the multicellular environment within three-dimensional microtumor models. The work aims to fill a critical knowledge gap in cancer immunobiology and support the development of more accurate disease models.

Job Responsibilities

The main task for a PhD student is to engage in their doctoral education, which includes participation in research projects and doctoral courses. The responsibilities may also include involvement in teaching and other departmental work, but no more than 20% of the working time. When you are admitted to a doctoral program, you will be offered a position as a PhD student. A PhD position at Uppsala University corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years.

This position is the first recruitment within Patrick Sandoz's newly established research group at the Department of Medical Technology. As an early member of the group, you will play a crucial role in building new research activities within microphysiological systems and biomaterials to study cancer immunobiology, specifically the properties within the tumor microenvironment. In this project, your tasks will include research on the structural and biophysical properties of miniaturized tumor environment models. You will be responsible for manufacturing these systems using both cleanroom-based techniques and biotechnologies.

Qualifications

A Master's degree or equivalent in biomedical engineering, technical physics, materials science, nanotechnology, biotechnology, or a related field, or other education deemed equivalent to these qualifications.

We require documented experience in at least one of the following areas (e.g., through completed thesis work):

• Culture and characterization of human cells, preferably cancer or immune cells
• Microfluidic systems for biomedical applications
• Functional biomaterials for life science applications

We require good oral and written proficiency in English.

Desirable/Meritorious

Documented experience in one or more of the following areas is considered a merit:

• Microfabrication in cleanroom environments
• Staining and advanced microscopy techniques (e.g., confocal microscopy)
• Isolation of primary immune cells or culture of patient-derived cell components
• Antibody-based biochemical analyses

We place great importance on your personal qualities and are looking for a creative individual with strong problem-solving skills and a curious mindset, who can work both independently and collaboratively with others. Adaptability is also important, as research directions and methods evolve over time, requiring flexibility and openness to learning new techniques. You should have a willingness to develop technical skills and apply them in innovative solutions that can translate basic research into practical applications. Additionally, you must be able to communicate your research clearly and be structured in planning and executing your work.

Your application should include:

• A short letter describing yourself, why you want to pursue a PhD, and why you are suitable for this position.
• CV (max 2 pages)
• A certified copy of your Master's degree and your course grades.
• Copies of your advanced level thesis and other documents, such as publications, that you wish to submit.
• Names and contact details of at least two referees who have agreed to be references for you, along with any additional recommendation letters. It should also state your relationship with each referee.

The application should be written in English. We will continuously review application documents and invite candidates for interviews.

About the Position

The position is temporary, according to HF Chapter 5 § 7. The extent is full-time. Start date 2025-08-01 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Patrick Sandoz + 004670 167 91 55, patrick.sandoz@scilifelab.uu.se (mailto:patrick.sandoz@scilifelab.uu.se), Karin Magnusson + 004618 471 72 43, karin.magnusson@angstrom.uu.se (mailto:karin.magnusson@angstrom.uu.se)

Welcome with your application by May 15, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/872.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The position may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved in the security clearance.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.