KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health
Project description
Third-cycle subject: Biotechnology
This PhD project aims to develop a new class of molecular information processing systems in which neural network computation is implemented directly by chemistry. The project combines experimental molecular biology, physical chemistry/thermodynamics, and machine learning. The work will integrate a back-and-forth between modelling and simulation of DNA strand dynamics, reaction scheme design, and experimental characterization of DNA reactions. The project is part of a broader effort to develop “smart PCR” systems that can recognize complex patterns in molecular mixtures without sequencing or classical digital computing.
You will be based in the Molecular Programming group at KTH and SciLifeLab, working in an interdisciplinary environment with expertise in DNA nanotechnology, machine learning, and molecular diagnostics. SciLifeLab is a highly collaborative environment with access to cutting-edge infrastructure in genomics, molecular biology, and data-driven life science. The position is funded through a competitive grant from the Swedish Research Council (VR), and the project is also connected to broader networks, training opportunities, and collaborations.
We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest and commitment to combining experimental and computational research. Suitable backgrounds include biotechnology, molecular biology or biochemistry with computational experience, chemical or biological engineering, or DNA nanotechnology. Experience in machine learning or statistical modelling, thermodynamics, and programming are considered beneficial.
Supervision: Ian Hoffecker, together with Cecilia Williams and Ragnar Thobaben are proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission
Admission requirements
To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:
- passed a second cycle degree (for example a master’s degree), or
- completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
- acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.
Selection
In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:
- independently pursue his or her work
- collaborate with others,
- have a professional approach and
- analyze and work with complex issues.
After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.
Target degree: Doctoral degree
Information regarding admission and employment
Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years’ time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.
As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.
Union representatives
Contact information for union representatives.
Doctoral Student’s network (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)
Contact information for PhD chapter.
To apply for the position
Apply for the position and admission through KTH’s recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.
Applications must include the following elements:
- Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.Copies of originals must be certified.
- CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
- Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
- Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.
Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).
Other information
For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.
It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant’s consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.
Join us at KTH
KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.
Learn more about our benefits and what it’s like to work and grow at KTH
| Type of employment | Temporary position |
|---|---|
| Contract type | Full time |
| First day of employment | October 1st, 2026 |
| Salary | Monthly salary according to KTH’s doctoral student salary agreement |
| Number of positions | 1 |
| Full-time equivalent | 100% |
| City | Stockholm |
| County | Stockholms län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference number | PA-2026-1462 |
| Contact | Ian Torao Hoffecker, ithof@kth.se |
| Published | 07.May.2026 |
| Last application date | 31.May.2026 |