Doctoral student in Biomedical Engineering specializing in engineering acoustics

Description of the workplace

The position is based at the Department of Biomedical Engineering and is linked to researchers working in marine biology, medical ultrasound, biomechanics, physics, e-science, and the strategic research area eSSENCE in Lund. The research group you will join conducts research in areas including engineering acoustics, medical ultrasound, acoustic measurement technology, non-destructive testing based on acoustic methods, signal processing, and numerical modelling, with applications in, among other fields, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, and biological systems.

The working environment is highly interdisciplinary and is characterized by close collaboration between doctoral students, researchers, and academic staff, often with very different technical and scientific backgrounds and areas of expertise. The group strives to provide an open and inclusive working environment with good access to supervision, knowledge exchange, and broad scientific and interdisciplinary collaborations.

More about the strategic research area eSSENCE - on Lund University's website

Being a doctoral student

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

We are looking for a candidate who is curious, focused, and highly motivated by scientific questions. You have a creative and open-minded approach and enjoy combining methods and perspectives from different fields, such as physics, acoustics, computational modelling, and biology. You are driven by a desire to understand complex phenomena and to contribute new knowledge that is relevant to technology and society, as well as to our understanding of biological systems.

More about being a doctoral student at LTH - lth.se

Work duties

You will primarily devote your time to your doctoral studies, which include participation in research projects as well as doctoral-level courses, seminars, and conferences.

You will be part of an interdisciplinary research project investigating the physical mechanisms underlying dolphin echolocation. The overall aim of the project is to develop and apply computational models in acoustics and structural mechanics to describe how the short, broadband ultrasonic pulses generated in the dolphin’s head propagate through tissues and other anatomical structures and are thereby shaped into a forward-directed echolocation beam. Particular emphasis will be placed on how variations in acoustic material properties, geometry, and potential reflective or refractive structures influence the direction, frequency-dependent shape, and temporal structure of the beam.

The work is interdisciplinary and lies at the interface of engineering acoustics, computational physics, biomedical engineering, and zoology/bioacoustics. The project also includes developing the technical aspects of the results into practically useful concepts for human-made technologies, for example medical applications in diagnostic ultrasound, underwater acoustic sonar systems, or non-destructive testing of civil engineering structures. The work duties include:

• research on the acoustic properties of relevant tissues and anatomical structures, for example by measuring sound speeds, densities, and attenuation properties, as well as assisting with anatomical CT imaging of the physiology of stranded harbour porpoises and related specimens
• development of computer-based three-dimensional finite element models (FEM) of acoustic wave propagation in the sound-generating organs of dolphins and surrounding tissues, with the aim of creating a physically accurate so-called digital twin
• collection and analysis of acoustic, mechanical, and anatomical data from toothed whales
• development and use of computational and analysis code, with or without machine-learning components, in MATLAB and COMSOL or equivalent environments for model setup, post-processing, signal analysis, visualisation, and comparison between simulations and measurement data
• collaboration with researchers in, among other fields, physics, marine mammal research, and computational sciences, acting as an interdisciplinary knowledge bridge between different scientific disciplines
• communication of research results at scientific conferences and through the publication of scientific articles.

The duties may also include participation in teaching and other departmental work, up to a maximum of 20% of working hours.

Qualifications

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Biomedical Engineering if the applicant has:

• at least 45 credits at second-cycle level relevant to the subject area

Additional requirements

In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the doctoral project and the subject area (e.g. engineering or theoretical physics, wave propagation, engineering acoustics, programming, modelling, bioacoustics, computational methods, electronics, applied mathematics, zoology, materials physics, etc.).
• Very good analytical skills, including problem-solving and data analysis.
• Goal-oriented approach, which may be demonstrated through perseverance and the ability to work methodically, in a structured manner, and with focus.
• Good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Good collaborative skills (i e manifested as a willingness to share ideas, constructive approach to challenges etc).
• Very good written and oral communication skills.
• Very good knowledge of English, spoken and written

Other qualifications (advantages)

For the doctoral programme in question, the following are considered as other qualifications:

• Master’s degree in engineering physics or theoretical physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics, computer engineering, engineering acoustics, or another subject relevant to the research area
• Knowledge of numerical computational methods and/or FEM-based modelling of physical problems
• Experience of finite element modelling in acoustics and multiphysics
• Knowledge of marine mammals, toothed-whale echolocation or other areas of bioacoustics
• Practical experience of acoustic or measurement systems
• Practical experience of measurement technology and electronics
• Programming experience beyond introductory-level courses
• Experience of working with computing clusters
• Experience of classical machine-learning or deep-learning-based signal analysis.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

More about working at Lund University on Lund University's website

About the employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting as soon as possible.

Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University’s staff pages.

Other

Job interviews will be held online and on site at the Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, during the autumn semester of 2026.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include

• CV and a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the doctoral programme/employment and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.
• Copies of issued study certificates and/or awarded degree certificates. These must confirm that you meet the general and specific admission requirements for the doctoral programme and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral programme project.
• Other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.)

We look forward to receiving your application!