Job Summary

The PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Calgary is an elite, fully funded research position within the Sen Laboratory. Operating as a “Nanoscale Architect,” the successful candidate will focus on the frontiers of microfluidic electrofiltration. This role requires the “wit” to master complex multiphysics simulations and the “grit” to refine a novel platform capable of isolating extracellular vesicles (EVs) for life-saving diagnostics and therapeutics.

Job Details

University: University of Calgary (Schulich School of Engineering / Cumming School of Medicine).
Principal Investigator: Dr. Arin Sen.
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada.
Position Type: Full-time PhD (Fully Funded).
Fields: Biomedical, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering; Nanotechnology; Biophysics.

Research Focus: Microfluidic Electrofiltration

The core of this doctoral project is the optimization of a patented technology designed to separate charged biological nanoparticles.

Target Analytics: The primary focus is on Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)—microscopic “messengers” in the blood that carry biomarkers for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular health.
Technology Optimization: You will enhance a microfluidic platform that uses electrical fields to “sieve” these particles based on their charge and size.
Computational Modeling: A significant portion of the “wit” required involves using COMSOL Multiphysics. You will simulate fluid flow and electromagnetics to predict nanoparticle behavior before ever stepping into the “wet lab.”

Key Responsibilities: The Scholar’s Journey

As a PhD candidate, you are transitioning from a student to an independent scientific lead.

Experimental Design: Move beyond following protocols to inventing them. You will design and execute experiments to validate your computational models.
Scientific Communication: You are responsible for the “Knowledge Lifecycle”—from maintaining meticulous lab records to presenting at international conferences and publishing in high-impact journals.
Laboratory Leadership: You will collaborate across disciplines (Engineering and Medicine) and contribute to the daily operations and mentorship within the Sen Lab.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

Academic Foundation: A B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering or a related quantitative discipline (Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Physics).
Technical Wit: Proficiency in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and experience with nanoparticle interactions within fluidic systems.
Software Mastery: Demonstrated experience with COMSOL Multiphysics (Fluid Flow and Electromagnetics modules) is highly desirable.
Professional Grit: A proven track record of contributing to scientific publications and a highly motivated, independent work ethic.

Technical Insights: The Significance of Extracellular Vesicles

In modern medicine, EVs are the “Holy Grail” of non-invasive diagnostics.

The Separation Challenge: Biological fluids are “noisy.” Separating tiny vesicles from a sea of proteins and larger cells requires extreme precision. Electrofiltration uses electrical force ( $\mathbf{F} = q\mathbf{E}$ ) to provide a more refined separation than traditional ultracentrifugation.
Liquid Biopsies: This research supports the development of “Liquid Biopsies,” where a simple blood draw could replace invasive tissue biopsies by analyzing the cargo within isolated vesicles.

Diversity and Statistics at UCalgary

The University of Calgary is a leader in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), recognizing that the best engineering solutions come from diverse perspectives.

Global Ranking: UCalgary is consistently ranked among the top research-intensive institutions in Canada, providing a world-class environment for its 36,000 students.
Indigenous Strategy (ii’ taa’poh’to’p): The university is committed to creating a culturally competent campus, ensuring that research innovation is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives.
Calgary Advantage: As Canada’s most enterprising city, Calgary provides a gateway to a thriving tech and health sector. The city is home to over 50,000 Indigenous people and a multicultural community that welcomes international scholars.

PhD Opportunity Description

Do you believe that the future of medicine is written in the language of nanoparticles? The University of Calgary is seeking a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering to join the Sen Laboratory. We aren’t just “building a device”; we are creating a platform that could revolutionize how we detect and treat disease at the molecular level. If you have the “grit” to tackle complex fluid dynamics and the “wit” to engineer solutions at the microscale, your academic home is here.

In this role, you are a “Scientific Innovator.” You understand that every simulation and every lab trial is a step toward a more personalized healthcare system. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Nanotechnology Research,” ensuring that our electrofiltration platform sets a new global standard. We look for “Integrity-first” scholars who are collaborative, curious, and ready to contribute to Canada’s entrepreneurial university.

Joining UCalgary means starting your professional research career in a city that blends urban sophistication with the majesty of the Canadian Rockies. We offer an exceptional environment for professional development, with access to leading faculty and strong industry partnerships. If you are a dedicated engineer with a commitment to “Scientific Discovery and Inclusive Excellence,” we invite you to apply via Dr. Arin Sen’s official channels and join our vibrant academic community.

University of Calgary: Daring to Imagine “Ahead of Tomorrow”

The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is defined by a culture of entrepreneurial spirit, audacity, and “can-do” Western energy. As one of Canada’s top five research universities, its mission—codified in the “Ahead of Tomorrow” strategic plan—is to tackle “wicked” societal challenges through transdisciplinary innovation. The workplace culture is rooted in collegiality and respect, emphasizing that “curiosity-driven investigation” thrives best in an inclusive environment. UCalgary moves with the speed of a startup but the responsibility of a public institution, fostering a “Living Lab” ecosystem where students and faculty are encouraged to be “pioneers at heart.”

The UCalgary footprint is a massive, multi-campus network that mirrors the diversity of the Alberta landscape:

Main Campus (NW Calgary): Spanning over 200 hectares, this is the university’s vibrant heart. It features the Taylor Family Digital Library, one of North America’s most technology-rich hubs, and the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, a pioneer in pedagogical research.
The Olympic Oval: A legacy of the 1988 Winter Games, this iconic facility is known for having the “Fastest Ice on Earth” and serves as a premier high-performance training center for athletes globally.
Foothills Campus: Located south of the main site, this is the epicenter of health innovation, home to the Cumming School of Medicine and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, adjacent to the Foothills Medical Centre.
Downtown Campus: Situated in the heart of Calgary’s business district, this campus connects the university with industry leaders, offering professional programs and hosting the Haskayne School of Business executive education.
Spy Hill Campus: Located in northwest Calgary, this campus supports specialized research and clinical training for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Working or studying here means being part of a top 100 global university for entrepreneurs. Whether you are engaging with Calgary’s business core or conducting genomics research, the experience is defined by the university’s commitment to “ii’ taa’poh’to’p”—its Indigenous Strategy—walking a parallel path toward truth and reconciliation while building a sustainable future.

To apply for this job please visit careers.ucalgary.ca.