About this role
Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading institutions of higher education. It has approximately 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our pursuit to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of humanity.
Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles in all aspects of our operations.
**Description of the Workplace**
The doctoral project will be conducted in the field of Experimental Medical Diagnostics at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University.
The research group is interdisciplinary and led by Professor Malin Malmsjö along with Associate Professor Aboma Merdasa. The group consists of clinicians, physicists, and engineers who collaboratively develop and apply optical and acoustic imaging techniques for medical diagnostics.
The research group is a central part of the infrastructure [https://www.photoacoustics.lu.se/](https://www.photoacoustics.lu.se/) and is located at the Eye Clinic, Skåne University Hospital in Lund.
**Description of the Doctoral Project**
The doctoral project "Developing instrumentation for clinical spectral and acoustic imaging" aims to develop new instruments and methods for hyperspectral (HSI) and photoacoustic (PAI) imaging for clinical diagnostics. The project combines spectral and acoustic information to enable non-invasive tissue characterization, with applications in oncology, infectious diseases, and vascular inflammation.
The Department of Clinical Sciences Lund is now announcing a PhD position and employment in the doctoral subject Medical Science – Ophthalmology within the doctoral project titled "Developing instrumentation for clinical spectral and acoustic imaging."
The primary task of the doctoral student is to conduct an independent research project under supervision. The project includes the construction and validation of a hyperspectral microscopy platform, development of spectral libraries for human tissue, and clinical studies of patients with conditions such as temporal arteritis and skin tumors. The goal is to create robust methods for improved diagnostic precision and early disease detection.
The position is full-time for 48 months. The proposed start date is January 1, 2026, or as agreed upon.
**We Offer**
Lund University is a government authority, which means you will receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension. We also have a flexible working hours agreement that creates good conditions for a balance between work and leisure. Read more on the university's website about being employed at Lund University [https://www.lu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss](https://www.lu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss).
**Duties and Responsibilities**
The doctoral student will:
- Develop and adapt optical and acoustic imaging systems
- Conduct experimental and clinical measurements on biological samples and patients
- Analyze spectral data and build classification models
- Compare spectral findings with histopathology
- Compile and publish results in scientific journals
- Participate in doctoral courses, seminars, and conferences
**Qualifications**
The following qualifications are required for the position:
- Master’s degree in physics, biophotonics, medical technology, or equivalent (at least 240 credits, of which 60 credits at the advanced level)
- Documented experience in optical imaging techniques (e.g., HSI, OCT, spectroscopy)
- Experience in programming in Python or MATLAB
- Strong analytical skills and experience in data processing
- Excellent ability to express oneself in spoken and written English
- Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams
Meritorious qualifications include:
- Experience in image analysis, optical measurement technology, or instrument development
- Experience working in a clinical research environment
- Previous scientific publications or presentations
**Eligibility**
Basic eligibility for doctoral education requires that the applicant has: completed a degree at the advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at the advanced level, or acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way, both domestically and internationally.
**Assessment Criteria**
Regulations for employment as a doctoral student can be found in the ordinance SFS 1998:80. Only those who are admitted to doctoral education may be appointed. In the appointment process, primary consideration will be given to the degree of ability to benefit from the doctoral education. In addition to the obligation to devote oneself to their own doctoral education, the holder may be required to perform duties related to education, research, and administrative work according to specific provisions in the ordinance.
**Conditions**
Fixed-term employment for four years according to HF Chapter 5, Section 7.
**How to Apply**
Applications should be submitted via the university's recruitment system. The application must include a personal letter describing how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application should also include a CV