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Project Description

Doctoral Subject: Biotechnology

This doctoral project aims to develop a new class of molecular information processing systems where neural network computations are implemented directly using chemistry. The project combines experimental molecular biology, physical chemistry/thermodynamics, and machine learning. The work will integrate an interplay between modeling and simulation of DNA strand dynamics, design of reaction schemes, and experimental characterization of DNA reactions. The project is part of a broader initiative to develop "smart PCR" systems capable of recognizing complex patterns in molecular mixtures without sequencing or classical digital computation.

You will be based in the Molecular Programming group at KTH and SciLifeLab, working in an interdisciplinary environment with expertise in DNA nanotechnology, machine learning, and molecular diagnostics. SciLifeLab is a highly collaborative environment with access to advanced infrastructure within genomics, molecular biology, and data-driven life sciences. The position is funded through a competitive grant from the Swedish Research Council (VR), and the project is also linked to broader networks, educational opportunities, and collaborations.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest and commitment to combining experimental and computational research. A suitable background includes biotechnology, molecular biology, or biochemistry with computational elements, chemical engineering, or biotechnical engineering, or DNA nanotechnology. Experience in machine learning or statistical modeling, thermodynamics, and programming is advantageous.

Supervision: Ian Hoffecker, together with Cecilia Williams and Ragnar Thobaben, are proposed to supervise the doctoral student. The final decision is made upon admission.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to doctoral studies (Chapter 7, Section 39 of the Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility:

• completed a degree at an advanced level, or
• fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level, or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way, within or outside the country.

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

Selection

To succeed in your doctoral studies at KTH, you need to be goal-oriented and persistent in your work. In the selection of applicants, the ability to:

• independently drive your work forward,
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional attitude, and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

After meeting the eligibility requirements, great weight will be placed on personal qualities.

Target Degree: Doctorate

Information about Admission and Employment

Only those admitted to doctoral studies may be employed as doctoral students. The total employment period may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education over four years. An employed doctoral student may, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within, for example, education and administration. A new employment as a doctoral student is valid for a maximum of one year; the employment may thereafter be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

As a doctoral student, you will receive KTH's employment benefits and have a monthly salary according to KTH's agreement for doctoral salaries. Read more about Doctoral Studies at KTH | KTH | Sweden.

Trade Union Representatives

Contact details for trade union representatives.

Doctoral Student Section (Student Union of the Royal Institute of Technology)

Contact details for the doctoral student section.

Application

You apply via KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are primarily responsible for ensuring your application is complete when submitted.

The application should contain the following:

• Copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations to English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified.
• CV with relevant professional experience and skills.
• Cover letter with a brief account of why you wish to pursue doctoral studies, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Max 2 pages)
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please attach a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

The application must be received by KTH no later than the last day of application at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Other

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It may occur that a position at KTH is classified for security reasons. If this applies to this specific position, a security clearance check will be conducted on the applicant in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585) with consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved after the security clearance check.

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