Doctoral student in Visual Optics Full-time

Doctoral Student In Visual Optics

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences

Project Description:

Third-cycle subject: Applied Physics

This PhD position is part of the project “Improved Myopia Control via Peripheral Image Quality Assessment,” funded by the Swedish Research Council and conducted within the ongoing “Stockholm Myopia Study.”

Myopia is increasing worldwide, raising the global risk of eye diseases, which makes early detection and understanding of its development crucial. Research shows that not only central, but also peripheral retinal image quality influences myopia development, and optical treatments targeting the periphery are being developed. Our longitudinal study follows the visual development of children to advance knowledge on effective strategies to slow myopia progression. The work is highly interdisciplinary, providing a unique interface between optical engineering, vision science, and clinical practice. The project includes:

• Developing instrumentation and procedures for measuring retinal image quality through different spectacle designs
• Measuring image quality in children in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet
• Analyzing data to identify biomarkers and protective mechanisms for myopia

The applicant should have broad knowledge in optics, experience in experimental work and programming (e.g., MATLAB), and a strong interest in doctoral studies. The recruited PhD student will join the Visual Optics group at KTH, Stockholm. There will also be opportunities for research exchange and short stays in visual optics laboratories across Europe.

Supervision: Linda Lundström and Peter Unsbo 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,
• Familiarize themselves with new research questions,
• Collaborate with others,
• Have a professional approach,
• Analyze and work with complex issues,
• Show broad optical knowledge and experience in programming and experimental work, and
• Show good communication skills in English as we work in an international environment.

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 part of a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's Doctoral student salary agreement.