Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för teknikvetenskaper

At the Division of Microsystems Technology, Department of Engineering Sciences, Ångström Laboratory.

This is a temporary employment at full time (100%) for one year with an option to extend for one further year; starting spring 2018. 

Research group
In the EMBLA research group, led by Dr. Maria Tenje, one of our research foci is development of microfluidic systems for organ-on-chip applications. EMBLA is part of the Division of Microsystems Technology (MST) at the Department of Engineering Sciences and we are located at the Ångström Laboratory.

More information on the research group's profile is available in the website:

www.teknik.uu.se/mikrosystemteknik/embla

Research project: This interdisciplinary research project aims to develop barrier-on-chip models where several different cell types can be cultured together in an in vivo-like environment. The research project will primarily focus on a model of the blood-brain barrier but other biological barriers will also be explored. Currently, there are ~15 people in the research group, of which the majority have a technical background. To strengthen the team, we are now looking to recruit a postdoc with a biological/medical background to focus on cell cultures in the different barrier-on-chip systems we develop.

Duties: We want to strengthen the research group's expertise on cell cultures and on-chip studies of cell-cell interactions, and we are looking for an ambitious and creative postdoctoral researcher with a strong drive and motivation to address current challenges in the interdisciplinary research field of organs-on-chip. You will take a leading role in the research projects’ cell culture activities, where you will be expected to run your own on-chip studies and closely communicate with our collaborators. In addition to this, you will provide expert advice regarding cell studies to those group members with backgrounds in other disciplines. Your main responsibilities will be to carry out and communicate top level scientific research in 1) on-chip cell cultures and 2) biological evaluation of barrier-on-chip microfluidic systems. This will include elements such as system priming and cell seeding, the development of optimised and automated cell culture protocols, evaluation of barrier tightness and characterisation of genotype and phenotype of the cultured cells and relate this to their culture environment.

This research project demands a highly creative individual with strong analytical skills as well as practical skills regarding the handling of microfluidic systems and evaluation of cellular responses cultured in our various barrier-on-chip systems. You are also expected to be a good teacher, as most people in the research team do not have a background in biology and so it is critical that the person filling this position will be able to support team members in several on-going research projects and collaborations on the topic of on-chip cell cultures.   

In addition to undertaking research in this role, you are also expected to supervise MSc students and communicate your research results at conferences and in journal publications.

Qualifications: The candidate must have a PhD degree or equivalent in biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, medicine or similar disciplines, and a large part of your PhD project should have been focused on one of the following topics:

   1) culture and characterisation of blood-brain barrier cells or

   2) microfluidic solutions for biomedical applications

It is meritorious for the candidate to show documentation on culture optimisation, immunofluorescent staining, genotypic characterisation, phenotype evaluation and studies of cell growth and proliferation, especially focused on blood-brain barrier specific cells. It is desirable that the candidate can show documented experience with handling of microfluidic systems including chip-to-world interfacing and troubleshooting, organ-on-chip research, experimental design, microscopy techniques for biological assays and casting and bonding of PDMS.

You are expected to be interested in technology development and the benefits that microfluidics can provide for biological and medical research.

We put great emphasis on your personal skills and you should be self-motivated, have achieved scientific maturity, naturally identify ambitious goals for your research and possess a strong internal motivation to achieve these. You are not afraid to learn new techniques and methods from your colleagues, with whom you also freely share your own new insights. Excellent skills in English, both written and spoken, are required in combination with good communication skills.

How to apply
Your application should include the following:

1) A letter describing yourself, your research interests and why you are a suitable person for this position.

2) CV (max. 2 pages)

3) Your publication list

4) A copy of your PhD diploma and complete list of course grades

5) Name and contact details (address, email address and phone number) to at least two references

The application should be written in English.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: Individually negotiated salary.

Starting date: Spring 2018.

Type of position: Temporary full-time position (100%) for one year with an option to extend for one further year.

For further information about the position please contact
Dr. Maria Tenje (email maria.tenje@angstrom.uu.se) or Dr. Susan Peacock (susan.peacock@angstrom.uu.se).

Information about the Division of Microsystems Technology is available on www.teknik.uu.se/mikrosystemteknik/.

Please submit your application by 8 April 2018, UFV-PA 2018/671.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
Salary Fixed salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Uppsala
County Uppsala län
Country Sweden
Reference number UFV-PA 2018/671
Union representative
  • Ellena Papaioannou, Seko, 018-471 3315
  • Suzanne Borén Andersson, TCO/ST, 018-471 6251
  • Per Sundman, Saco-rådet, 018-471 1485
Published 26.Feb.2018
Last application date 08.Apr.2018 11:59 PM CEST

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