❗️ Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the application form 

Project Description

In the Pamme Research Group, we are designing microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices for clinical diagnostics as well as biomedical research, environmental analysis, and the synthesis of smart materials.

In this project, we will develop electroanalytical sensor devices and study how host cells bind and respond. We will design microfluidic flow cells and integrate them with printed electronics to create bioelectroanalytical sensors. With these sensors, we will study adhesion-cell and protein-protein interactions. 

We will immobilise target integrins and receptors on the electrode surfaces and monitor adhesion interactions under the highly controlled conditions achievable within microfluidic environments, i.e., controlling concentrations in space and time and controlling shear stress in space and time. We will work across the doctoral training network to implement molecular binding elements such as whole cells, proteins, and newly developed aptamers. This will allow us to investigate the variance in adhesion between different pathogens.

Methods: We will develop methods and apply them in electroanalytical measurement techniques to study binding events between immobilised recognition elements on the electrode surface and the surrounding medium. This will involve various electrode materials and immobilisation strategies. The electrodes will be integrated into microfluidic flow cells, which we will design and fabricate, first for single readout, then for parallelisation and simultaneous readout.

Mandatory requirements

The candidate must have:

The applicant must fulfil the eligibility criteria for the MSCA programme. In order to be admitted to PostGraduate education at Stockholm University the applicant must fulfil the general and specific entry requirements for the PhD programme in Analytical Chemistry at Stockholm University. The qualification requirements must be met by the time the applicant starts the position.

• The general entry requirements are: 
• a completed second-cycle degree or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or the candidate must have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

• Specific entry requirements for admission to the doctoral-level education in analytical chemistry are as follows:
  • The applicant must have completed courses worth at least 90 credits in chemistry at the undergraduate level, and have passed a course in analytical chemistry at the advanced level worth at least 15 credits and an independent project at the advanced level in analytical chemistry worth at least 30 credits.
  • Special eligibility is also granted to those who, in another programme within or outside the country, have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

Desirable qualifications

In addition, it is an advantage if the candidate has:

• The ideal candidate will be creative, motivated, organised, has a problem-solving mindset, and the ability to work both independently and in a team. 

• Experience of and interest in microfluidic technology or bioanalysis is of advantage.

• The applicant should have a good knowledge of English, both orally and in writing.

About the post: 

Stockholm University offers fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). 

• The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. 

• As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research, and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %). 

• A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year; the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. 

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact information

• For more information, please contact the PI (nicole.pamme@su.se). 
• For general information about the Department of Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Prof. Niklas Hedin, niklas.hedin@su.se. 
• Union representatives: Saco-S, saco@saco.su.se, Fackförbundet ST/OFR, st@st.su.se, and SEKO, seko@seko.su.se. 
• PhD student representative: studentombud@sus.se.

Personal skills:

We are an international team of researchers from very different scientific and cultural backgrounds. Our colleagues should have

• Good language and communication skills

• The ability to work in interdisciplinary teams

• The ability to work independently on complex projects (from planning and execution to results presentation)

Supervisors: Nicole Pamme: https://www.su.se/english/profiles/nipa9202-1.554898?open-collapse-boxes=body-research

Hosting institution: Stockholm University (Sweden): https://www.su.se/english/

Technical information:

• Position location: Oslo, Norway.

• Application deadline: January 6th, 2026

• Interviews: February 9th and 13th, 2026 (be available both days)

• Project start date: September 1st, 2026

• Duration: 3 years

• Norwegian Position code 1017

How to Apply

Find the eligibility and application requirements below.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must not have been awarded a doctorate previously.
• Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of recruitment. See: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks ‘What does the funding cover’
• Candidates must have a high level of English proficiency (demonstrated eg by TOEFL, IELTS certification) or by having been educated in an English-speaking country to age 18.
• Candidates must meet all eligibility criteria as outlined in the individual research project descriptions.
• Candidates must meet the entry requirements of the institution to which they apply.

Application Requirements
The candidates will be selected based on the quality of the application, expertise, work experience, and qualifications. In the first instance, an expression of interest should be lodged containing the following documents (in English) consolidated into one single PDF file. As mentioned above, it will increase your chances if you apply to more than one project.

• A current cv (resumé) (max 2 pages).
• A short cover letter, no more than 600 words, that covers the following:
  1: your motivation and key research experience/achievements that demonstrate independent thinking and your ability to complete a PhD. Evidence the skills you claim with the documents you give us.
  2: the original working title of your MSc or BSc thesis.
  3: The first scientific memory that you have (max 250 words)
• A clear statement if and how and what AI tools you used. We recommend you do not use them.
• The table of contents of your thesis
• A research outline (max 500 words) related to the DC topic in which you suggest how you can meet and develop further the research project described in the project advertisement. Be specific: where in your attached certificates can we find proof of the necessary qualifications for the given position?

The following items will be submitted in separately in the application form.

• We suggest you apply for up to 3 PhD positions in StraDiVarious. If you do, list two other choices in order of preference. (You do not need to provide further information.)
• Details of 2 referees (names, contact details) who can provide additional information about your qualifications.
• Official Academic Record - Bachelor's and Master’s Certificates and Transcripts.
• We expect that, since a Master’s Degree is required, you will either have completed it at the time of application, or will do so with the requisite grades and be able to provide a degree certificate by July 1st, 2026. In such a case, acceptance is conditional.
• Demonstration of English-language proficiency (official certificates from language tests, or based on your schooling and where you grew up).
• If we suspect unreported use of AI-generated text, we reserve the right to check using AI-text detection tools and summarily reject the application. This is consistent with our no-tolerance policy towards plagiarism.