PhD in Applied Physics

We are seeking a PhD candidate to join our team in the development of next-generation bioelectronic platforms to study implant interfaces and modulation of the brain tissue microenvironment. The position is based at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics at Linköping University, Sweden.

Your work assignments

Building on our established work in electrophoretic and iontronic drug delivery for precise, solvent-free dosage, as well as recent advances in in situ polymerization of soft, substrate-free neural electrodes, this doctoral project will investigate and develop novel implantable technologies for brain tissue interfacing. The focus includes neuromodulation and localized drug delivery.

A central goal is to establish design rules for bioelectronic interfaces that are grounded in a mechanistic understanding of ionic and molecular transport at the implant-tissue interface and in the microenvironment around the implant. This will enable us to predict how these transport properties shape electrode formation and how local dose is distributed. In the longer perspective, this knowledge will support optimization and translation of bioelectronic implants towards clinical application.

In this project, you will build an experimental and computational platform based on 3D-printed, brain-mimetic tissue models with tunable transport properties, where interface transport can be measured and predicted. The platform will measure and model how substances spread, are taken up, and are cleared over time and space, including nutrients, drugs, neuromodulators, and electrode precursors. You will investigate selected materials, device designs, and operational modes for these bioelectronic implants. You will also develop and validate finite element models (COMSOL Multiphysics) to support the experimental work. The work is experimentally driven (approximately 70/30 wet lab to modeling) and will include:

• Design and fabrication of 3D-printed brain tissue models with tunable transport properties
• Development of experimental methods to investigate spatiotemporal transport phenomena across the implant-tissue interface
• 3D cell cultures and cell-based evaluation of transport-driven biological responses
• Multiphysics modeling using COMSOL Multiphysics, validated against experimental data

As a doctoral student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of you are part of. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time.

Your qualifications

You have graduated at Master’s level in biomedical engineering, biophysics, applied physics, materials science, organic chemistry, or a related field, or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are in advanced courses relevant to the project. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

The successful candidate has strong problem-solving skills, is able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and international team, and demonstrates excellent communication abilities. A solid background in cell biology, neurobiology, tissue models, or in vitro experimental systems is considered a strong asset for this position. Experience with one or more of the following is considered an advantage: microfabrication, 3D printing of soft materials, microscopy, cell culture and cell-based studies, and or finite element modeling such as COMSOL Multiphysics.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and suitability.

Your workplace

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface between chemistry, biology, and electronics in the highly collaborative and supportive Laboratory of Organic Electronics (https://www.liu.se/loe). LOE currently has >150 researchers and research students across thirteen group sharing an open lab environment for fruitful collaboration and information sharing.

You will formally be part of LOE’s Organic Bioelectronics group (liu.se/en/research/organic-bioelectronics). Your work will primarily be under the guidance of Assistant Professor Theresia Arbring Sjöström (https://liu.se/en/employee/thear78), and Prof. Daniel Simon (https://liu.se/en/employee/dansi08).

LOE is part of Linköping University’s Department of Science and Technology, located on the river Motala Ström at Campus Norrköping. You can read more about Norrköping here: https://visit-norrkoping-se.translate.goog/bo-studera-och-etablera?_x_tr_sl=sv&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=sv

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at https://liu.se/en/research/doctoral-studies.

The employment has a duration of four years’ full-time equivalent. You will initially be employed for a period of one year. The employment will subsequently be renewed for periods of maximum duration two years, depending on your progress through the study plan. The employment may be extended up to a maximum of five years, based on the amount of teaching and departmental duties you have carried out. Further extensions can be granted in special circumstances.

As an employee of Linköping University, you are entitled to the following benefits:

• Paid vacation (28 workdays per year, corresponding to 5 ½ weeks)
• Free access to the Swedish health-care system (full health-care coverage)
• Paid maternity / paternity leave (up to 390 days per child)
• Accrued pension. During your work time in Sweden, you accrue income pension, paid by the employer, which is payable also if you leave Sweden

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University are available at  https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/employee-benefits. More information on the Swedish social insurance benefits system can be found at https://www.forsakringskassan.se/english/moving-to-working-studying-or-newly-arrived-in-sweden/social-insurance-system

Starting date

By agreement. 

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than March 9, 2026.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.