PhD Position in Biomedical Engineering

Uppsala University

Admission to Doctoral (PhD) Studies
Subject: Engineering Sciences, specialization in Biomedical Engineering
Division: Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University

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About the Department

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research spanning from basic to large-scale applied research, and close interaction with students in engineering and master's programs. Research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focuses, as well as a division providing support and service. The department is an international workplace with around 230 active co-workers.

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About the Division

The Division of Biomedical Engineering performs research on the development and evaluation of new materials in interaction with biological systems to understand underlying principles. Our ambition is to foster a dynamic teaching and research environment that is internationally recognised for connecting basic research with clinical applications.

The BioMaterial Systems (BmS) research group, comprising about 20 people, focuses on using additive manufacturing (AM, or 3D writing) to develop new biomaterials and implants. Expertise spans materials science, mechanics, and biology.

More information about the research group's profile

The group participates in and leads several major collaborative projects, nationally and internationally, funded by Swedish Research Council, VINNOVA, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and the EU.

Project Description

This project is part of the EU-funded Print4Life, a Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) network led by Prof. Persson, group leader of BmS. The network includes 8 doctoral candidate host institutions and 6 additional partners across Europe. The network provides research training in additive manufacturing of biomaterials and tissues.

Focus: Magnesium-based alloys are biodegradable and clinically used for small bone fracture fixation, with some alloys demonstrating antibacterial properties. The project aims to improve material performance using 3D printing to develop microstructures with higher corrosion resistance and strength. Additive manufacturing is applied via powder bed fusion with laser beam (PBF-LB).

Project Goals:

1. Define and produce a magnesium-based powder suitable for additive manufacturing and bone reconstruction applications.
2. Demonstrate printability using a PBF-LB machine.
3. Evaluate corrosion and mechanical properties with advanced corrosion models, in situ neutron diffraction, advanced microscopy, and mechanical testing, including potential in situ testing at synchrotron sources.

Research will involve collaboration with other doctoral students, academic institutions, and industry. Short research stays are planned in Sweden, Germany, and Ireland.

Supervisors:

• Main: Prof. Cecilia Persson (Uppsala University)
• Co-supervisors: Assoc. Prof. Francesco D’Elia (Uppsala University), Prof. Sviatlana Lamaka (Helmholtz Zentrum Hereon GmbH)

Duties

• Devote full-time to doctoral research, participating in projects and PhD courses.
• Potential teaching and departmental duties (≤20%).
• Independently run projects with supervision and collaboration with other researchers.
• Conduct material development and characterization as outlined in project goals:
  • Design and produce printable powder (in-house or with network companies).
  • Develop process parameters for PBF-LB of magnesium alloys.
  • Characterize additively manufactured materials via microscopy, mechanical and corrosion tests.

Training in all techniques is included in doctoral education.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in materials science, materials engineering, biomedical engineering, engineering physics, chemical engineering, or related fields (or equivalent).
• Documented experience and knowledge in materials science.
• Good oral and written English skills.
• Compliance with Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) chapter 5, §§ 1–7, and Uppsala University rules.

MSCA Eligibility:

1. Must not hold a doctoral degree at employment.
2. Must be enrolled in a doctoral program.
3. Mobility rule: not resided or carried out main activity in Sweden for >12 months in the past 36 months.

Additional Qualifications (advantageous):

• Additive manufacturing of metals
• Powder bed fusion with laser beam
• Scanning electron microscopy
• Mechanical testing
• Corrosion testing

Personal Qualities:

• Ability to independently plan and carry out work
• Goal-oriented and focused
• Good communication and academic writing skills

Application Documents

• Short cover letter: motivation, suitability, and PhD interest
• CV (max 2 pages)
• Certified copy of master’s degree and grades
• Copies or drafts of master’s thesis and publications
• Names/contact of ≥2 references, relationship to applicant, letters if available

Applications should be in English. Applications are reviewed continuously; interviews will be scheduled accordingly.

Employment

• Temporary position per Higher Education Ordinance, chapter 5 § 7
• Full-time (100%), starting 1 March 2026 or as agreed
• Location: Uppsala

Salary:

• MSCA PhD fellowship: ~37,000 SEK/month (gross, pending exchange rate) for 36 months
• Remaining period: regular PhD contract, salary per local agreement

Further Information:

• Cecilia Persson, +46-702489624, cecilia.persson@angstrom.uu.se
• Francesco D’Elia, +46-734809039, francesco.delia@angstrom.uu.se

Application Deadline: 31 December 2025
Reference: UFV-PA 2025/2929

Submit your application through Uppsala University’s recruitment system

About Uppsala University

Uppsala University is a broad research university with ~7,600 employees and 53,000 students. It values curiosity, commitment, and international collaboration.

More about working at Uppsala University

Note: Position may require security vetting.

HR Excellence in Research: Uppsala University holds this award, ensuring a stimulating and favourable working environment.

Placement: Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Scope: Full-time (100%)
Type: Temporary position
Number of positions: 1
Town: Uppsala