Join us in developing next-generation bioelectronic therapies for Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders using in situ formed electronic materials.

Your work assignments

We are seeking two highly motivated and talented PhD candidates to join our team in developing novel organic bioelectronic strategies for interfacing with the nervous system. The positions are based at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE) at Linköping University, Sweden, where we aim to revolutionize neural interfaces by developing in situ polymerized electrodes, overcoming key challenges such as invasiveness, scar tissue formation, and limited spatial precision.

Building on our recent advances in enzyme-triggered electrode fabrication in living systems (Strakosas et al., Science, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adc9998), this research aims to establish new principles for minimally invasive, biologically integrated bioelectronic therapies, with a primary focus on Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other movement disorders.

This call comprises two PhD positions with complementary research focus, unified by the goal of enabling in situ electronic functionalization of living tissue, where biological structures and signals guide both the delivery and formation of electronic functionality.

At a tissue and systems level, one position will focus on how bioelectronic functionality can be delivered, distributed, and operated within complex physiological environments. This includes investigating how structures such as vasculature (arteries, capillaries), neural pathways, and extracellular spaces can serve as access routes and scaffolds for device integration. The work will explore approaches such as fluidics, enzymatic modulation, electroporation, and diffusion-driven transport, and may involve the development of device concepts and system-level strategies, potentially in collaboration with partners working on vascular and implantable medical technologies (e.g., electronic stents).

At a cellular and molecular level, the second position will focus on how biological cues can be used to guide the formation of functional electronic materials in situ. This includes studying and controlling self-organization and polymerization processes that are regulated by cellular signals, disease markers, and local microenvironments. The work will involve developing and evaluating material formation in relevant cell models (e.g., vascular endothelium and neural cells), with the aim of achieving spatially selective electronic functionalization that can interface with and modulate biological activity.

Together, these positions address complementary aspects of a shared challenge: linking transport, structure, and biological signaling across scales to enable new types of bioelectronic systems for neuromodulation. Applications include extending and refining stimulation strategies for Parkinson’s disease (e.g., from or alongside conventional DBS or stent-based electrodes), as well as exploring related bioelectronic interventions.

The work is primarily experimental but may include some theoretical elements, and can involve materials development, cell-based studies, advanced characterization, and device concepts.

As a doctoral student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. 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, engineering biology, (applied) physics, biophysics, materials science, or a related field, or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in a relevant area. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology, physics, materials, and electronics. Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an advantage: organic electronics, electrochemistry, soft materials, microfabrication, high-resolution microscopy, cell biology, cell culture, neurobiology, or vascular biology. Note that we are not expecting all areas of expertise in the same candidate.

The successful candidates have strong problem-solving skills, are able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and international team, and demonstrate excellent communication abilities.

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 >160 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 (https://liu.se/en/research/organic-bioelectronics), led by 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 Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of normally four years’ full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan. 

Starting date by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

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

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    

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 June 30, 2026. Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.