The UCAM-SENS unit is recruiting six (6) PhD students

Background

The UCAM-SENS is a scientific unit that strives for the true digital transformation of key domains such as Health, Sport, Food and the Environment by using advanced (bio)chemical sensing based on electrochemistry and imaging principles. The UCAM-SENS is led by two well-recognized worldwide investigators, Prof. Maria Cuartero (ERC Fellow) and Prof. Gaston Crespo, who after an extensive academic career in Switzerland and Sweden of ten years, set this unique research and educational environment at the UCAM. 

The mission of UCAM-SENS is established on four pillars: (i) RESEARCH, synergy of fundamental and applied investigations with remarkable significance, quality and high impact, resulting in tangible outcomes that solve current and future societal challenges; (ii) EDUCATION, personalized education at master and PhD levels in chemical digitalization with sub-branches such as bioelectrochemistry, analytical methods, nano-chemistry, imagining, micro-fluidics, etc. (iii) INNOVATION, materialize research ideas into concrete business cases, advance the technological readiness accompanied with alternatives to reach end-users aiming at improving the citizens’ life, our environment and surrounded. Note that we are a foundation with a social mission, and thus, benefits are fully re-invested in our research purpose. (iv) INDUSTRIAL PARTNERSHIP, the UCAM-SENS has the required scientific knowledge to develop sustainable research, development, and innovation projects (R+D+I) in cooperation with the industrial sector toward a mutual benefit. 

The UCAM-SENS unit is located at the HiTech research building (research incubator and accelerator), which is a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment where people, ideas, knowledge, and necessities meet all together to pose and address new challenges.

Eligibility

The PhD student candidates must have:

• Completed a M.Sc. degree in Chemistry or Engineering Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in (bio)chemical sensors, electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, wearable and microneedle devices, single-cell detection and conducting polymers is very welcome. Attach publications and/or master's thesis related to the above experience.
• Advanced English level (B/6). Attach your English certification.

General Skills

To succeed as a doctoral student at UCAM-SENS you need to be goal-oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed on their ability to: 

• independently pursue his or her work,
• collaborate with others, 
• have a professional approach and
• analyse and work with complex issues.
• Advanced English level

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and personal suitability.

What we offer

• The possibility to obtain a PhD degree (3-4 years) in a dynamic and international research environment, the UCAM-SENS.
• A workplace divided in small clusters supervised by a senior researcher.
• Monthly salary according to PhD student salary agreement in the UCAM.
• Work and study in the UCAM, which is in Murcia, the capital city of the Southeastern region of Spain where Mediterranean weather joins the natural beauty of the beaches of Costa Cálida with the mountains and fields of the Huerta de Europa. The University has a special environment, both culturally and historically as its main campus is centered around the 18th century Jerónimos Monastery (National Monument) with more than 20,000 students and around 1,000 teaching staff.
• Help to be relocated and settled in Murcia and at UCAM.
• Excellent scientific and human environment. 
• The “PhD project” is to be personalized and adjusted according to the individual skills and desired objectives. It is desired to covered fundamental aspects of chemical sensing and then applications related to Health, Sports, Food and the Environment, among others.
• Close supervision by Prof. Cuartero (ERC Fellow) and Prof. Crespo who are authorities in the field with more than 200 papers (85% in Q1 and 80% D1), 5 international patents, and several companies. The supervision in UCAM-SENS is a bi-directional process based on motivation, engagement, learning and discovering, respect, promoting the formulation of new scientific research questions, and assisting to develop/improve interpersonal skills.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through the UCAM 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 be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge (maximum 2 pages long). Details of the bachelor and master’s degree title, year, and university.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies in the UCAM-SENS, about what your academic and personal interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals (maximum 2 pages long).
• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Spanish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.
• Representative publications or technical reports: For large documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.
• Reference letters from previous supervisors and/or teachers.