Researcher within pharmaceutical physical chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Pharmacy offers a stimulating multidisciplinary working environment in research and teaching within the Pharmacy disciplines. The Department centers its research on Drug Delivery, Rational Drug Usage and Pharmaceutical Materials Science. The research is developed by a series of research groups, several of international prominence. The research groups represent a unique cluster of academic competences in Sweden and the Department of Pharmacy has thus a key role in the development of the pharmacy discipline in Sweden. Information about the department and the research groups can be found at the web page www.farmfak.uu.se/farm/. 

The research group in Pharmaceutical Physical Chemistry seeks to clarify the relationships between the molecular structure of drug molecules, their physicochemical properties and the possibilities to control how they are stored in and released from different types of particulate drug carriers and formulations. The purpose is to create new knowledge making it possible to develop new or improved systems for the administration of drugs, including macromolecular drugs such as peptides and proteins, and small and amphiphilic drug molecules including cancer drugs. In our investigations we use a combination of experimental and theoretical methods. The experimental techniques include static and dynamic light scattering, small-angle x-ray scattering, small-angle neutron scattering, micropipette-assisted microscopy, confocal microscopy, ellipsometry, static and time-resolved fluorescence methods, and rheometry. More information about the research group can be found at the web page http://www.farmaci.uu.se/forskning/farmaceutisk-fysikalisk-kemi/.

The research group is part of the Swedish Drug Delivery Forum (SDDF) where it conducts research on amphiphilic properties of drug molecules within the platform for parenteral administration (Drug Delivery Platform 1).

Many pharmacologically active compounds are made up of amphiphilic molecules and possess many similar properties to ordinary surface active agents. Amphiphilic drugs may be found within several classes of drugs including tranquilizers, analgesics, antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, local anaesthetics, anti-inflammatory drugs and anticancer drugs. The amphiphilic nature of these molecules is expected to play a crucial role for their pharmacological activity as well as important properties related to toxicity and haemolysis. In drug formulations the amphiphilic properties of the active substance is decisively important for the molecular mechanisms of solubilisation and drug delivery.

The employed researcher will be involved in projects where we study various aspects of the self-assembly process of amphiphilic drugs in presence of relevant drug delivery components such as phospholipid bilayers, surfactants, proteins and other biomacromolecules, as well as drug loading and release from microgel carrier systems. The structural behavior is mainly investigated using various scattering techniques such as static and dynamic light scattering, small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), but also complementary techniques such as cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cTEM).

The purpose of the call is to employ a researcher with competence in the fields of light scattering/small-angle scattering and amphiphilic self-assembly, to maintain and strengthen the research group’s and SDDF’s activities within these fields.

More information about the projects, Drug Delivery Platform 1, and SDDFis can be found at the web http://medfarm.uu.se/sddf.

Duties:

The position is placed in the Pharmaceutical Physical Chemistry research group at the Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University. The main work assignment is to conduct research within the projects of the Drug Delivery Platform 1 in SDDF, with special focus on scattering techniques for investigations of amphiphilic self-assemblies. The assignment also involves administrative tasks related to reporting and documentation of research results, and taking part in research symposia and related activities within the research group and SDDF.

Requirements:

PhD in physical chemistry or related areas. Documented experience of working with advanced scattering technique instrumentation and evaluation of scattering data from soft matter systems. Emphasis will be placed on suitability for the position including communication skills and ability to collaborate with members of the research group and other researchers and technicians involved in the project. Excellent skills in spoken and written English is required.

The application must include CV, copies of certificates of exams and degrees, and a short description of yourself and your work experiences. We encourage you to provide information about reference persons and/or enclose recommendation letters.

Evaluation criteria: Fulfilment of admission requirements, work experience within the research field and related fields, and personal suitability. The applicants will be ranked primarily based on research skills and experience of within the research field of the call and the character of the assignments, but the capability to collaborate will also be considered. The applicant’s possibility to fulfill the terms of employment for totally 12 months between the first day of employment and June 30 year 2020 will be considered.

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: Individual salary.

Starting date: Immediately or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position ending 30-06-2020.

Scope of employment: 100%

For further information about the position please contact:

Prof. Per Hansson, telefon: +46184714027, +46762736768

Docent Magnus Bergström, telefon: +46184714126

Please submit your application by 18 april 2019, UFV-PA 2019/887.

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.