Researcher in Biomarker detection by optical sensing with nanowires Full-time

Researcher in Biomarker Detection by Optical Sensing with Nanowires

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Description of the Workplace

The research at the division of Solid State Physics is focused on different aspects of semiconductor physics, ranging from materials science to quantum physics, to different applications. The division plays a major role in NanoLund, the major interdisciplinary research environment within nanoscience and nanotechnology at Lund University, and it hosts Lund Nano Lab, a central key facility for fabrication of material and devices on the nanoscale. The division is also heavily involved in the undergraduate education, especially within the “Engineering Nanoscience” program. A considerable part of the research in the division is in the field of nanobiotechnology where we develop new methods to investigate biological systems, and exploit biomolecules within nanocomponents. The Division is leading a project to develop nanowire-based platforms with novel photonic properties for the rapid analysis of single molecules based on immunofluorescence with much higher sensitivity than is possible today. After a development phase with model molecules, the ultimate goal is to use the platform for biomedical research or diagnostics.

Work Duties

The focus of the project is analysis of fluorescence microscopy images of nanostructured surfaces in the context of single-molecule biomarker detection. This requires the use of machine learning techniques including the production of training data by simulation of optical fields. The project also includes guidance of experiments aiming to detect biomarkers in turbid fluids, such as milk or blood, using optical signals. Specific research questions include:

• To what degree is it possible to obtain 3D position information of single molecules bound to freestanding semiconductor nanowires, using machine learning techniques?
• What is the lowest detectable concentration – is it possible to achieve single-molecule sensitivity even in blood?
• Can this nanowire-based method be translated into a practical, portable device for point-of-care blood analysis?
• Can the system be used to monitor molecular binding events and study time-resolved dynamics in real time?

Qualifications

Appointment to a position as a researcher requires that the applicant has a PhD. Required qualifications:

• a PhD in relevant subject area
• experience of working with single-molecule image analysis, including the use of machine learning techniques
• very good oral and written proficiency in English

Additional requirements:

• experience of experimental optics
• experience working with microfluidics
• experience working with light-guiding semiconductor nanostructures
• experience of collaboration between academia and industry

We Offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave, and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. You will be included in a team of researchers at NanoLund, a highly visible nanoscience center that offers excellent career development, an open and inclusive research environment with an active community of PhD students and postdocs, and access to a wide range of state-of-the-art capabilities within characterization, nanofabrication, and modelling.

Further Information

The position is a fixed term position from 17th February 2026 until 31st July 2026 at 100 per cent of full time. Researchers are covered by a local collective agreement on annual working hours for researchers and assistant researchers. The planning of annual working hours is done in dialogue between the manager and the employee.

How to Apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University's recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc. Welcome to apply!