Researcher in Environmental Toxicology with Engineering background - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Organismal Biology teaches and explores the evolution, development and function on the organismal level. For more information see www.iob.uu.se.

We are seeking a motivated, technically skilled and creative researcher for a highly interdisciplinary project funded through the SciLifeLab network and housed in the Evolutionary Biology Center (EBC) at Uppsala University, Sweden. The research in this newly opened lab explores the functional responses of single microorganisms in relation to their physical and chemical landscapes. To do this, we develop microfluidic lab-on-a-chip approaches that replicate key aspects of natural environments and combine these devices with high-throughput single-cell physiological readouts (automated microscopic imaging, various molecular readouts and chemical interrogations). Data obtained from such experiments are useful in, e.g., advancing the risk assessment of pollutants under forecasted climate change scenarios and enabling the phenotyping of unicellular phototrophs for industrial processes.

Project description: This project aims to improve our ability to forecast the effects of pollutants in natural aquatic environments. We will take advantage of recent advances in lab-on-a-chip technologies to measure the impacts of combined environmental and toxicological stressors on cellular physiologies in microfluidic environments, in high throughput. Model organisms include marine bacteria and phytoplankton, which, due to their fundamental role in carbon cycling and primary production, are of great global and ecological relevance.

Duties: Specific tasks in this project include (i) the design, development and operation of microfluidic platforms, (ii) using microfluidic platforms to measure the impact of environmental and toxicological stressors on model organisms and (iii) analyze the resulting data. 

Requirements: PhD in (biological) engineering, physics, microbiology, or other relevant background. Excellent communications skills in English both spoken and written and experience of scientific work. Documented experience in microfabrication and use of clean room facilities is required, as is a good working knowledge of biological systems and quantitative image analysis. There will be a strong emphasis on motivation, cooperative ability and sense of responsibility. We are seeking for candidates who can creatively contribute to interdisciplinary work, are highly independent and who thrive in an informal, hands-on lab with a flat hierarchy and friendly people.

Application: The application should include: 1) A letter of intent in which you describe yourself, your research background and interests and why you think you are a good match for the positions (max. 2 x A4 pages, ideally shorter), 2) Your CV and publication list, 3) Two references with names and contact information (phone and email), 4) A copy of your PhD certificate. The application should be 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: Individual salary.

Starting date: 01-10-2019 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position 2 years.  

Scope of employment: 100%

For further information about the position please contact: Lars Behrendt, e-mail lars.behrendt@scilifelab.uu.se

Please submit your application by October 7th 2019, UFV-PA 2019/2657.

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.