Vacant job

Join us in developing the next generation of bioelectronic therapies for Parkinson's disease and movement disorders using electronic materials formed in situ.

Your responsibilities

We are looking for one to two highly motivated and talented PhD students to join our team in developing new organic bioelectronic strategies for interfaces with the nervous system. The position is located at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE) at Linköping University, where we work to revolutionize neural interfaces through the development of in situ-polymerized electrodes that can overcome central challenges such as invasiveness, scar tissue formation, and limited spatial precision.

Building on our recent advances in enzyme-triggered electrode fabrication in living systems (Strakosas et al., Science, 2023, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adc9998 (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adc9998)), the research aims to establish new principles for minimally invasive and biologically integrated bioelectronic therapies, with a primary focus on Parkinson's disease (PD) and other movement disorders.

The call covers two PhD positions with complementary research directions, united by the goal of enabling in situ electronic functionalization of living tissue, where biological structures and signals control both the delivery and formation of electronic functionality.

At the tissue and system level, one position will focus on how bioelectronic functionality can be delivered, distributed, and utilized in complex physiological environments. This includes investigating how structures such as the vascular system (arteries, capillaries), neural pathways, and extracellular spaces can serve as access routes and support structures for the integration of bioelectronic systems. The work will involve strategies based on fluidics, enzymatic modulation, electroporation, and diffusion-driven transport, and may include the development of new system concepts and integration strategies, potentially in collaboration with partners in vascular and implant-based medical technology (e.g., electronic stents).

At the cellular and molecular level, the second position will focus on how biological signals can be used to control the formation of functional electronic materials in situ. This includes studying and controlling self-assembly and polymerization processes regulated by cellular signals, disease markers, and local microenvironments. The work involves the development and evaluation of material formation in relevant cell models (e.g., vascular endothelium and nerve cells), with the goal of achieving spatially selective electronic functionalization that can interact with and modulate biological activity.

Together, the positions address complementary aspects of a common challenge: connecting transport, structure, and biological signaling across multiple scales to enable new types of bioelectronic systems for neuromodulation. Applications include developing and refining stimulation strategies for PD (e.g., as an alternative or complement to conventional DBS or stent-based electrodes), as well as exploring related bioelectronic interventions.

The work is primarily experimental but may also include theoretical elements and encompass material development, cell-based studies, advanced characterization, and the development of system and device concepts.

As a PhD student, you will engage in your doctoral education and research project. Your work may also include teaching or participation in other departmental duties, up to 20% of full-time.

Your qualifications

You have completed an advanced degree in medical engineering, technical biology, (applied) physics, biophysics, materials science, or another relevant field, or completed courses totaling at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at an advanced level in relevant areas. Alternatively, you have acquired equivalent knowledge in another way.

We seek candidates with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, physics, materials, and electronics. Experience in one or more of the following areas is advantageous: organic electronics, electrochemistry, soft materials, microfabrication, high-resolution microscopy, cell biology, cell culture, neurobiology, or vascular biology. Note that we do not expect a single candidate to have expertise in all areas.

Successful candidates will have good problem-solving skills, the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and international team, and very good communication skills.

Personal qualities and suitability will be given great weight.

Your workplace

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and electronics at https://liu.se/forskning/laboratoriet-for-organisk-elektronik/gron-polymerkemik (https://liu.se/forskning/laboratoriet-for-organisk-elektronik/gron-polymerkemik) – a highly collaborative and supportive research environment. LOE currently has more than 160 researchers and PhD students distributed across thirteen research groups sharing open laboratory environments to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange.

You will formally belong to the research group OBE (https://liu.se/en/research/laboratory-of-organic-electronics/organic-bioelectronics), led by Daniel Simon. LOE is part of the Department of Science and Technology at Linköping University and is located at Motala ström on Campus Norrköping.

About the position

Upon commencement of employment, you will be admitted to the doctoral education program. Read more about the respective faculty's doctoral education https://liu.se/forskning/forskarutbildning (https://liu.se/forskning/forskarutbildning)

The position is fixed-term for normally four years full-time. Extension of employment up to five years occurs based on the extent of teaching and departmental duties. Under special circumstances, further extension may be possible. You will initially be employed for one year, after which the employment is renewed for up to two years at a time, based on the achieved study plan.

Start date by agreement.

Salary and benefits

PhD salaries are regulated according to a locally agreed salary scale. Read more about benefits for employees https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner (https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner).

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande (https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande).

Application

You apply for this position by clicking the "Apply" button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than June 22, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

We look forward to receiving your application!