About the position
This PhD asks how dolphins aim their sonar. Dolphins make short ultrasonic clicks inside their heads, and the tissues they pass through shape them into a narrow beam pointing forward. You will build computer models of that process, looking at how the properties, shape and reflecting structures of the tissues control the beam's direction, frequency and timing.
The post is in Lund University's Department of Biomedical Engineering, in a group working on engineering acoustics, medical ultrasound and acoustic testing, with links to marine biology, biomechanics, physics and the eSSENCE e-science programme. The results are also meant to feed into human technology, such as diagnostic ultrasound, underwater sonar and acoustic testing of buildings and bridges.
What you will do
- Measure the acoustic properties of tissues, such as sound speed, density and attenuation, and help with CT scans of stranded harbour porpoises.
- Build three-dimensional finite element models of sound travelling through the dolphin's sound-producing organs, working towards a digital twin.
- Collect and analyse acoustic, mechanical and anatomical data from toothed whales.
- Write analysis code in MATLAB and COMSOL or similar, with or without machine learning, and compare simulations with measurements.
- Publish papers and present at conferences; teaching or department work takes up to 20% of your time.
Who can apply
- A master's degree, or at least 240 credits of university study including 60 at master's level, or equivalent knowledge gained in Sweden or abroad.
- At least 45 master's-level credits relevant to biomedical engineering.
- Knowledge relevant to the project, for example engineering or theoretical physics, wave propagation, acoustics, programming, modelling, applied mathematics or zoology.
- Very good analytical skills and very good spoken and written English.
- An advantage: a master's in engineering physics, electrical or mechanical engineering, mathematics or acoustics; finite element modelling; knowledge of marine mammals or bioacoustics; hands-on measurement and electronics experience; or machine-learning signal analysis.
What is offered
- Full-time, fixed-term employment as a doctoral student: four years of study, extended to match any teaching or department work.
- A monthly salary as a university employee.
- Start as soon as possible. Interviews take place online and in Lund during autumn 2026.
How to apply
- Apply in English through the university's online application system, linked below.
- Send a CV and a cover letter explaining why you want this PhD and how the project fits your interests and studies.
- Add copies of your degree certificates and transcripts showing you meet the entry requirements.
- Add anything else you want considered, such as reference contacts or recommendation letters.