Research position in organs-on-chip with a focus on integrated 3D cell culture scaffolds - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Research position in organs-on-chip with a focus on integrated 3D cell culture scaffolds at the Division of Microsystems Technology, Department of Engineering Sciences, Ångström Laboratory.

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 on 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 researcher with chemistry expertise for the development of 3D cell culture scaffolds to be integrated in the different barrier-on-chip systems we develop.

Duties: We have an on-going research project on the integration of a biologicaly 3D cell culture scaffold and we are looking for an ambitious and creative researcher to help us finalise this project during the coming six months. You will take a leading role in the research projects’ activities related to the chemical synthesis and you are expected to contribute to a clever method to integrate these novel scaffolds into our current organ-on-chip systems. 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 novel scaffold materials.

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 chemistry or similar disciplines, and a large part of your PhD project should have been focused on chemical synthesis with a specialization on synthetic polymers. The applicant should have documented knowledge about the synthesis and characterization of water-soluble polymers. Experience with cell culture is highly meriting.

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: Starting as soon as possible  or as otherwise agreed.

Type of position: Temporary employment at 50 % during 6 months.

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 19 July 2018, UFV-PA 2018/2554

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