Doctoral student in Molecular Programming Full-time NEW

Doctoral Student In Molecular Programming

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health

Project Description

Third-cycle subject: Biotechnology

This PhD project aims to develop a new class of molecular information processing systems in which neural network computation is implemented directly by chemistry. The project combines experimental molecular biology, physical chemistry/thermodynamics, and machine learning. The work will integrate a back-and-forth between modelling and simulation of DNA strand dynamics, reaction scheme design, and experimental characterization of DNA reactions. The project is part of a broader effort to develop “smart PCR” systems that can recognize complex patterns in molecular mixtures without sequencing or classical digital computing.

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 cutting-edge infrastructure in genomics, molecular biology, and data-driven life science. The position is funded through a competitive grant from the Swedish Research Council (VR), and the project is also connected to broader networks, training opportunities, and collaborations.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest and commitment to combining experimental and computational research. Suitable backgrounds include biotechnology, molecular biology or biochemistry with computational experience, chemical or biological engineering, or DNA nanotechnology. Experience in machine learning or statistical modelling, thermodynamics, and programming are considered beneficial.

Supervision: Ian Hoffecker, together with Cecilia Williams and Ragnar Thobaben are proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge

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

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Target Degree: Doctoral Degree

Information Regarding Admission and Employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.