Closing date: May 30, 2006

scholarships

The last decade has witnessed a dramatic development of theborderland between physics, chemistry, biology and nanoscience. This isparticularly true in the area of optical microscopy and spectroscopy.It is now possible to design nanoparticles and molecules that act asnanoscopic markers and sensors with unique optical properties. Suchstructures can be used for e.g. advanced bio imaging, cancerdiagnostics and biosensor development.

The Biophysical Imaging and Nanooptics group at the Department ofApplied Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, now seeks twodoctoral students in nanooptics with a focus on biologicalapplications. The PhD-projects are mainly experimental in character,but also include theory, modelling and image analysis.

One of the projects aims to utilize genetically expressed fluorescent proteins for development of automated and quantitative imaging of cells and micro organisms. Of particular interest is the possibility to study interactions between different proteins using so-called fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The project will be conducted in collaboration with researchers in cell- and molecular biology.

The second project focuses on development of biosensors and cellular markers based on gold and silver nanoparticles. Such particles exhibit a phenomenon known as “surface plasmon resonance”, which results in unique optical properties. Of particular interest are the possibility to design the particles resonance wavelength through nanolithography and the possibility to specify their interaction with biological structures using surface functionalization. The project is conducted in a network that involves several international research groups. The two PhD-positions are financed through the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF), the Swedish Research Council (VR), Chalmers Biocenter and EU’s 6th framework program.

The goal with a PhD-position is to develop general research proficiency and a high competence within your specific research area. As a PhD-student, you will conduct research, often together with other researchers and PhD-students, you will follow PhD courses and you will be involved in teaching activities. You will also participate in international conferences and networks. You are expected to write a licenciate thesis within 2-3 years and defend your doctoral thesis within 4-5 years.

We seek creative and independent candidates with very high analytical capacity, excellent language skills and a particular interest for cross-disciplinary research. A suitable background is Master of Science in physics, chemistry, biotechnology or related areas.

For more information, contact Prof. Mikael Käll, phone +46 31-772 31 19.

The application should include: your CV, exams with grades from high-school and university, your Master thesis, contact information for at least two reference persons and a brief motivation of why you are the most suitable applicant.In order to improve the gender balance at the Department, we welcome in particular applications from female candidates. Closing date for application is May 30, 2006. Mark the application with reference number 40/2006.

The application should preferably be sent in the following formats .pdf or .doc to: registrator@adm.chalmers.se or by mail to: Registrator, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Göteborg, Sweden.

Union representatives:SACO Jan Lindér, TCO Monica Orrbacke, SEKO Ralf Berndtsson