موقعیت‌های خالی در دانشگاه‌های خارج از کشور

**nima56** · October 23rd, 2009 08:18 PM

2or 3 PhD positions in Materials Physics

The KTH School of Information and Communication technology seeks 2 - 3 PhD students in the following research fields: Solid state nanopores for DNA sequencing, X-ray imaging using structured scintillators and Biomolecule sensing using silicon nanowires

KTH is the largest technical university in Sweden. Education and research cover a broad spectrum within natural sciences and engineering, as well as architecture, industrial engineering and management, urban planning, work science and environmental engineering. There are circa 12,000 full-year undergraduate students, 1,400 postgraduate students and 3,100 employees.
The school of Information and Communication Technology, ICT, conducts research and education in the areas Material Physics, Electronics, and Information Technology. We work with the scientific and mathematical foundation, with the technical infrastructure as well as with systems and services. Through our collaboration with Stockholm University we broaden the perspective to the interaction between technology and humans. We have an internationally competitive profile in research in nano electronics, photonics, electronic and computer systems, software technology and communication as well as Systems sciences and software construction technologies. The collaboration with the surrounding companies and society takes place e.g. in Kista Science City. We offer a broad spectrum of education programs, for the Swedish titles “civilingenjör” and “högskoleingenjör”, as well as candidate programs. We also offer a number of master programs entirely taught in English for advanced undergraduate studies with a separate, highly competitive recruitment from a predominantly international student base.
The Nano-silicon group is part of the Materials Physics unit of the School of Information and Communication Technology in Kista. We use the Electrum clean room and the electron-beam facility at central campus to fabricate silicon structures at the nano scale such as: Si quantum dots, nanowires, nanopores, micropores etc. For two new, relatively large cross-disciplinary collaborative projects we have 2 – 3 PhD position openings:

Solid state nanopores for DNA sequencing

A membrane suspended between two liquid reservoirs having a single or an array of nanopores has been proposed to form the basis of next generation DNA sequencing techniques. DNA strings would then be driven through the holes by an electric field and the sequence of base pairs (labeled using fluorescent tags) would be read by optical techniques. Since only single-stranded DNA should pass the nanopores fabrication of the membrane is in itself a tremendous challenge. In this project we will fabricate thin membranes (~20 nm ?) using special anisotropic etching techniques while pores of size down to 2 nm will be formed by electrochemical etching. The project is in collaboration with Biotechnology at KTH where a parallel PhD student will work on the DNA biochemistry.
X-ray imaging using structured scintillators

A general problem for detectors using scintillators as converter material is light spreading due to the isotropic emission of secondary visible photons resulting in a poor lateral resolution. In our patented approach a structured scintillating film is used for converting absorbed X-ray quanta into visible photons which are collected by a CCD or CMOS imaging chip mounted in close proximity. The photons are light-guided by the structured scintillator down to each pixel. In this project we will take the concept to very small pixel sizes (~1 um) for high-resolution imaging. The project is in collaboration with Scint-X, a start-up company in Electrum, as well as with detector groups at synchrotron sources.
Biomolecule sensing using silicon nanowires

Nanowires can be used for direct electrical detection of specific biomolecules. The surface is then functionalized by receptor molecules such that when binding of analyte molecules occurs, a change in the conductance of the wire may result. The sensitivity is extremely high reaching below the pico-molar range, possibly to the single molecule level. This project is a collaborative project involving two groups in Kista, one group at Biotechnology and for microfluidics - one at ACREO. The goal is to demonstrate binding of three different types of biomolecules on a single device. The PhD work involves chip fabrication in our clean room laboratory, biomolecule detection and optical detection experiments.
Qualifications

For all positions, the successful candidate should have a Master of Science with a strong background in physics, materials science, nanotechnology or chemistry. English proficiency and good experimental skills are a must. In addition to the academic merits, international experience is regarded as advantageous qualifications.
Employment

Form of the employment: Time limited, following nominal PhD program (~4 years)
Starting date: According to agreement.
The salary follows the directions provided by KTH.

Application

The application must include the following documents:

Full curriculum vitae
Transcripts from university /university college
Brief description of why the applicant whishes to become a doctoral student
Letter of recommendation or list of contact persons
Copy of Master Thesis or publications

Deadline for application: 2009-11-05

Please refer to the reference number I-2009-0527 in your application.

Applications via e-mail (PDF-files) are to be sent to

[LIST[*]registrator@ict.kth.se[/LIST]

The CV, etc. should be sent as an attachment if the application is sent in electronically.

We also accept applications via ordinary post sent to:

KTH – ICT

Irina Radulescu

Forum 105

S-164 40 Kista, Sweden

Contact

For more information about the positions, please contact

Prof. Jan Linnros
Phone: +46 (0)8 790 4370