Marie Curie PhD Position in bioimaging of biomaterials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Medicinal Chemistry at Uppsala University is a strong and international research environment. The department has about 85 employees and here, doctoral students, teachers, researchers and administrators work closely together in a creative and open environment. More information about the department can be found at www.ilk.uu.se.

Admission to PhD education in Molecular imaging with Specialization in Biological Response to Biomaterials.

The BioTrib Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network focuses on Advanced Research Training for the Biotribology of Natural and Artificial Joints in the 21st Century. It is a newly funded European project, co-ordinated by the University of Leeds, with the aim to develop a unique, bioengineering-based, integrated approach to the development of early career researchers as future research and innovation leaders across interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral domains. The network consists of 5 core universities in Europe, and another 11 partner organisations, from academia, industry as well as the healthcare sector.

You will be based in the Translational PET Imaging research group evaluating new biomaterials for future use in primarily orthopedics. The Translational PET Imaging research group is located by the Rudbeck Laboratory at Uppsala University. Eriksson lab is associated with Science for Life Laboratory (https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/olof-eriksson) and focuses on development of molecular imaging methodologies, including immuno imaging, improved diagnosis, management and treatment of metabolic disease and cancer (https://www.ilk.uu.se/research-groups/translational-imaging/). The research group is part of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry (www.ilk.uu.se) and currently consists of 8 researchers including 3 doctoral students.

Project description: Magnesium-based alloys have recently made it into clinics as a degradable material, adequate for fracture fixation, e.g. in the foot. This is the result of long-term studies developing alloys with a minimal negative influence on surrounding tissues during degradation. In this project we want to further improve the functioning of these types of alloys by exploring the incorporation of other bioactive elements, as well as the possibilities for printing them. In this way, we envisage being able to print structures similar to those marketed as trabecular metal although in this case the structures are degradable and hence presumably more adequate for patients with no underlying bone deficiency pathology. The degradability may also decrease the risk for implant-associated infections over time. One of the objectives are to assess the osteoimmunomodulatory response of 3D-printed alloys and to focus on the biological characterization of alloys used for reconstructive surgery. These studies are expected to result in important information regarding the behaviour of the chosen elements and their resulting ions –Mg alone has been shown to affect the activity of exposed cells. The PhD student will be responsible for the in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation of 3D-printed alloys using e.g. PET radiopharmaceuticals. The position includes secondments to other partners in the consortium.

Work Duties: The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The PhD candidate is expected to:

• conduct research focused on the biological assessment of novel, 3D-printable materials for biomedical applications
• developing initiative, creativity and judgement in applying appropriate approaches to research activities
• ensure good day-to-day progress of work in development and analysis, and maintaining good records
• actively participate in all relevant research activities organized by the network as advised by the supervisors
• writing up results for publication and attending suitable conferences for their dissemination, attend meetings as required to discuss the project which could involve occasional international travel

These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.

Requirements:

• We are looking for a highly motivated student for a PhD position. We welcome applications from candidates that already have, or who expect to soon have, a Master of Science degree in biomedicine, engineering, natural sciences, pharmacy, medicine, chemistry or similar, with a strong focus on biology. Those getting their degree in Spring 2021 are also welcome to apply
• Experience of laboratory evaluation of radiopharmaceuticals including in vitro assays (cells/ autoradiography) and in vivo assays (biodistribution, PET/SPECT/CT/MRI imaging, image analysis) is an advantage. Completed courses in laboratory animal science (e.g. FELASA C) or radiation protection are an advantage
• Ability to work both independently and also as part of a larger team of researchers, including interaction with the research group and BioTrib ITN and engaging in knowledge-transfer activities where appropriate and feasible
• Self-motivation and good time management and planning skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English
• Good presentation and communication skills
• A commitment to your own continuous professional development

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

The eligibility criteria for this Marie Skodowska-Curie PhD position are as follows:

• The applicant must, at the date of recruitment, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. This is measured from the date when they obtained the undergraduate degree.
• The applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.

The advertised project will be carried out by a PhD student (“Early-stage Researcher”) at Uppsala University over a period of 42-48 months, in addition departmental duties at a level of at most 20% (typically teaching) will be expected.

Instructions for Application: Applications should include

1. cover letter, including a brief description of experience relevant to the position and motivation (max. 2 pages)
2. CV with list of publications (if any)
3. master thesis (or a draft thereof), copies of diplomas, certificates (including a list of courses and grades) and other relevant documents should be included
4. contact information to at least two reference persons. Letter(s) of recommendation are encouraged

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.
 
Starting date: As agreed, or at the lastest September 2021.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %.

For further information about the research project please contact: Dr Gry Hulsart Billström, gry.hulsart@ilk.uu.se.

For further information about the position please contact: Head of Dept Anders Karlén, anders.karlén@ilk.uu.se, 018-471 4293.

Please submit your application by 26 February 2021, UFV-PA 2021/2.

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.