PhD Fellow: Nanophotonics for on-chip Raman spectroscopy

The position

Are you keen on pursuing research within Nanophotonics and enhancing your skills in this field?

A PhD position is available at the Department of Physics and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology with the research group Ultrasound, Microwaves and Optics.

The position is for a period of four years. The nominal length of the PhD programme is three years. The fourth year is distributed as 25 % each year and will consist of teaching and other duties. The objective of the position is that you complete research training to the level of a doctoral degree. Admission to the PhD programme is a prerequisite for employment, and the programme period starts on commencement of the position.

The work location is mainly Tromsø, Norway, with some short stays at NTNU Nanolab in Trondheim. You must be able to start in the position within a reasonable time after receiving the offer.

The position’s field of research

The research team led by Prof. Olav Gaute Hellesø specializes in developing cutting-edge nanophotonics combining optical trapping and Raman spectroscopy. The aim is to measure the chemical composition of biological nanoparticles, notably extracellular vesicles (EVs) and microbacteria. Current methods to characterize these particles are too slow and bulky. We want to make an on-chip system to speed up the process and make it available to do research on these particles, and maybe in the future develop a system for clinical use. EVs are considered a mechanism for intercellular communications, and can be used to diagnose diseases, while microbacteria are important for research on antibiotics resistance.

The main task for this position is to design, fabricate and optimize a photonic integrated circuit for optical trapping and Raman spectroscopy of biological nanoparticles. The PhD will use advanced simulation tools and state-of-the-art nanotechnology fabrication equipment to make photonic integrated circuits (PIC). An optical set-up will be used to characterize the chips and demonstrate the capabilities of the PICs. The PhD will collaborate with researchers in machine learning for analysis of the recorded Raman spectra and with biologists on the utility of the device for biological research.

The main tasks will involve:

• Conceptual design and numerical simulation of the PIC, using commercial software (Comsol and Lumerical). This will involve optical and mechanical simulations, possibly also computational fluid dynamics.
• Fabrication of the PIC in cleanroom facilities in Norway (NTNU Nanolab and at UiT), including process optimization and structural characterization. 
• Characterization of the fabricated chip with an optical set-up
• Integrate the chip in a system and adapt the system for high throughput characterization of biological nanoparticles
• Use of the chip and the system for characterizing extracellular vesicles and microbacteria

The candidate is expected to take a leading role in the project, actively collaborate with other team members, prepare scientific papers and present results at international conferences, coordinate collaboration with partners locally and internationally, and participate in dissemination and potentially commercialization of the results.

Want to know more about the position?

We look forward to getting to know you! Any questions? Feel free to contact us:

• Professor Olav Gaute Hellesø, olav.gaute.helleso@uit.no 
• Postdoctral Research Fellow Mathias Novik Jensen, mathias.n.jensen@uit.no 

Qualifications

• A Norwegian MSc university degree (or equivalent) in experimental physics, nanotechnology, photonics, or similar programs. 
• Hands-on experience with design and fabrication of nanotechnology structures 
• Solid background in experimental physics, optics and photonics
• Excellence in previous work and a high degree of independence, initiative, and commitment
• Excellent command of English, both orally and in writing
• A systematic approach to problem solving, including process optimization

In addition, it is of advantage that the applicant has:

• Experience with tools such as Comsol Multiphysics, thin-film deposition, photolithography and e-beam lithography, reactive ion etching and SEM
• Prior practical experience with optical waveguides
• Experience with spectroscopy, either absorption or Raman
• Good programming skills (preferably Python)
• Strong written and oral communication skills 

In the assessment, the emphasis is on the applicant's potential to complete a research education based on the master's thesis or equivalent, and any other scientific work. In addition, other experience of significance for the completion of the doctoral programme may be given consideration.

We will also emphasize motivation and personal suitability for the position. 

As many people as possible should have the opportunity to undertake organized research training. If you already hold a PhD or have equivalent competence, we will not appoint you to this position.

Admission to the PhD programme

For employment in the PhD position, you must be qualified for admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science and Technology and participate in organized doctoral studies within the employment period.

Admission normally requires:  

In order to gain admission to the programme, the candidate must document sufficient potential for research. The applicant must have a grade point average of C (strong 3.0) or better for the master’s degree, which must contain an independent work. A more detailed description of admission requirements can be found here. 

If you are employed in the position, you will be provisionally admitted to the PhD programme. Application for final admission must be submitted no later than two months after taking up the position. 

Applicants with a foreign education will be subjected to an evaluation of whether the educational background is equal to Norwegian higher education, following national guidelines from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. Depending on which country the education is from, one or two additional years of university education may be required to fulfil admission requirements, e.g. a 4-year bachelor's degree and a 2-year master's degree. UiT normally accepts higher education from countries that are part of the Lisbon Recognition Convention.

We offer

• Good career opportunities 
• A unique opportunity to work with a highly international team and the largest photonics group in Norway develop an advanced, and the first, high-throughput photonic integrated circuit for characterization of biological nanoparticles, of great scientific and commercial value.
• Get training on and use advanced technological infrastructure for nanofabrication
• Mentoring by leading researchers
• Contribute to scientific publications and patents
• Flexible working hours and a state collective pay agreement  
• Pension scheme through the state pension fund 
• PhD Fellows are normally given a salary of 550 800 NOK/year with a 3% yearly increase
• If you have to relocate to Tromsø then the Faculty of Science and Technology may reimburse your moving costs. Further details regarding this matter will be made available if you receive an offer from us.

Norwegian health policy aims to ensure that everyone, irrespective of their personal finances and where they live, has access to good health and care services of equal standard. As an employee you will become member of the National Insurance Scheme which also include health care services.

More practical information about working and living in Norway can be found here: https://uit.no/staffmobility

Inclusion and diversity

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is working actively to promote equality, gender balance and diversity among employees and students, and to create an inclusive and safe working environment. We believe that inclusion and diversity are a strength, and we want employees with different competencies, professional experience, life experience and perspectives.

If you have a disability, a gap in your CV or immigrant background, we encourage you to tick the box for this in your application. If there are qualified applicants, we invite at least one in each group for an interview. If you get the job, we will adapt the working conditions if you need it. Apart from selecting the right candidates, we will only use the information for anonymous statistics.

How to apply

Your application must include: 

• Cover letter explaining your motivation and research interests 
• CV, with list of publications if relevant
• Diploma for bachelor's and master's degree
• Official transcripts of grades/academic record for bachelor's and master's degree
• Explanation of the grading system for foreign education (Diploma Supplement if available)
• Documentation of English proficiency
• 3 references with contact information, including the MSc thesis supervisor
• Description of your master thesis project and other past research activities/projects, and their relevance to this position
• Master’s thesis, and any other academic works

Qualification with a master’s degree is required before commencement in the position. If you are near completion of your master’s degree, you may still apply and submit a draft version of the thesis and a statement from your supervisor or institution indicating when the degree will be obtained. You must still submit your transcript of grades for the master’s degree with your application.

All documentation to be considered must be in a Scandinavian language or English. Diplomas and transcripts must also be submitted in the original language, if not in English or Scandinavian. If English proficiency is not documented in the application, it must be documented before starting in the position. We only accept applications and documentation sent via Jobbnorge within the application deadline.

General information 

The appointment is made in accordance with State regulations and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants. 

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment.

After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

Remuneration for the position of PhD Fellow is in accordance with the State salary scale code 1017. A compulsory contribution of 2 % to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund will be deducted. You will become a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, which gives you many benefits in addition to a lifelong pension: You may be entitled to financial support if you become ill or disabled, your family may be entitled to financial support when you die, you become insured against occupational injury or occupational disease, and you can get good terms on a mortgage. Read more about your employee benefits at: spk.no.

A shorter period of appointment may be decided when the PhD Fellow has already completed parts of their research training programme or when the appointment is based on a previous qualifying position PhD Fellow, research assistant, or the like in such a way that the total time used for research training amounts to three years. 

We process personal data given in an application or CV in accordance with the Personal Data Act (Offentleglova). According to the Personal Data Act information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure. You will receive advance notification in the event of such publication, if you have requested non-disclosure. 

Assessment 

The applicants will be assessed by an expert committee. The committee's mandate is to undertake an assessment of the applicants' qualifications based on the written material presented by the applicants, and the detailed description draw up for the position. A copy of the assessment report will be sent to all applicants. 

The applicants who are assessed as best qualified will be called to an interview. The interview should among other things, aim to clarify the applicant’s motivation and personal suitability for the position.