Uppsala University, Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 250 employees and has a turnover of 250 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website.

The Department of Macromolecular Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory has for many years focused on the development of biomaterials for biomedical application as well as chemically modified nucleic acid drugs and nanomaterials for drug delivery applications. We develop extracellular matrix mimetic materials which is combined with novel chemically modified oligonucleotides and protein based drugs for theraprutic applications. This allows the development of novel 3D scaffold that allows recruitment of endogeneous stem cells for regenerative medicine applications such as for bone and cartilage regeneration. The research is, therefore, both fundamental and applied.

Work duties
The main duty involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours.

This project involves synthetic organic chemistry to develop extracellular matrix mimetic 3D hydrogels scaffold for bone regeneration. In this project, chemically modified oligonucleotides will be applied to improve the drug-like properties of RNA interference (RNAi) drugs and these modified RNA drugs will be encapsulated in tailored 3D hydrogel matrix. The functionality of the engineered drugs and formulations will be evaluated in suitable in vitro cell culture experiments and then will be evaluated in in vivo model.

The candidate will be involved in a national and European collaboration, involving industrial and academic partners and will conduct original interdisciplinary research in biomaterials research area, specifically in cell bioengineering, 3D matrix development, 3D cell culture, and in vivo studies. The job includes characterization of nucleotide building blocks and synthesis of functional biopolymers for bone regeneration applications. The candidate will also be expected to supervise degree projects and doctoral students, actively seek external research funding, and closely collaborate with industrial partners in the project.

Requirements
For employment as postdoc, the applicant should have a PhD exam or an international equivalent within the field of biomedical engineering, materials science and engineering, tissue engineering, chemical engineering, polymer science or other for the position relevant fields, within a maximum of three (3) years before the final application date. During certain circumstances, an earlier PhD can be acceptable. Certain circumstances include leave due to illness, parental leave, in trade unions, etc.

The candidate must have experience with ECM-based polymers for biomedical applications. Successful candidate needs to have a working knowledge of natural polymers, composites and chemical modifications for biomedical applications. The candidate should have a background in biomaterials research, biomaterial characterization methodologies, in vitro cell culture techniques, 3D cell culture and confocal microscopy. 

Experience with supervision of Ph.D. students, master's students as well as teaching undergraduate students will be appreciated. The assessment of applications is based primarily on the applicant's ability to conduct independent research based on scientific skills. Greater importance is attached to the quality of individual scientific work, than to the number of publications. Good communication and writing skills in English are required.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, self-driven, and independent characteristics. The applicant’s experience and skills should complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department and should stand to contribute to its future development.

Desirable qualifications

  • Experience in biopolymer chemistry, biopolymer synthesis, and bioconjugation techniques will be advantageous.
  • Extensive experience within in vitro and in vivo studies with different 3D scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and bone regeneration will be considered advantageous.
  • Candidates with publications in peer-reviewed journals with strong recommendations from their mentors will be given priority. 

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 people of all backgrounds.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of two years according to central collective agreement.  Scope of employment 100%. Starting date 2022-10-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala, Sweden.

For further information about the position please contact: Oommen Varghese, +46 18 471 38 32, oommen.varghese@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by 15th July 2022, UFV-PA 2022/2733.

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Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2022-10-01
Salary Fixed salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Uppsala
County Uppsala län
Country Sweden
Reference number UFV-PA 2022/2733
Union representative
  • Seko Universitetsklubben, seko@uadm.uu.se
  • ST/TCO, tco@fackorg.uu.se
  • Saco-rådet, saco@uadm.uu.se
Published 28.Jun.2022
Last application date 15.Jul.2022 11:59 PM CEST

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