Postdoctoral position in biomedical engineering with a focus on acoustofluidic microsystems - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Full-time temporary position for two years starting as soon as possible or by agreement 

The position is located at the Division of Biomedical Engineering in the interdisciplinary research group EMBLA, which is led by Professor Maria Tenje. The group conducts successful and internationally-recognized research in organs-on-chip and droplet-based microfluidics in collaboration with research teams at several different Swedish and overseas universities. Research funding has been obtained through several prestigious grants, including from the Knut och Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and European Research Council (ERC).

Further information about the research group is available on the website:

http://www.materialvetenskap.uu.se/embla

Project description
Organs-on-chip is a growing field of research with the ambition to eventually replace traditional animal experiments. A special focus for our research group is to develop droplet microfluidic systems with integrated acoustics, so-called acoustofluidic systems, to handle and study cells as they grow in a 3D environment mimicking body tissue. Today we are approx. 15 people in the group and as we recently received an ERC Consolidator grant focused on the development of microfluidic solutions for the generation of organoids, we are now looking for a postdoctoral researchers who is driven by scientific curiosity and a desire to develop the acoustofluidic technology for new applications.

Work duties
The tasks within this interdisciplinary research project include conducting high-quality research in all stages of the project, from the design and fabrication of microfluidic systems with integrated acoustics to the evaluation and publication of the scientific results. You are expected to be responsible for the fabrication, characterisation and optimisation of new acoustofluidic systems that can be used for the growth and study of organoids. Together with other group members within the project team, you are expected to apply the system to study how the growth and differentiation of cells is affected by external changes in culture conditions.

In addition to research, some participation in the supervision of doctoral students, master's students and project students, as well as communication of research results through scientific articles in well-established scientific journals and presentations at international conferences, are also included as important aspects of the employment. Some participation in teaching may also be included. You are also expected to contribute to applications for external research funding.

Qualification requirements
To qualify for an employment on a postdoctoral position you must have a doctoral degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhDdegree. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

This position requires a doctoral degree in biomedical engineering, engineering physics, nanotechnology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science or an equivalent degree in a related field.

We require documented knowledge and experience in the fabrication and use of microfluidic systems with particular expertise in UV lithography, etching of both silicon and glass as well as casting and bonding of PDMS. Experience in building experimental platforms for microfluidic systems as well as managing chip-to-world interfaces and software controlling experimental equipment, through e.g. LabView or MatLab, are requirements.

We require good oral and written skills in English.

Additional qualifications
Documented knowledge and experience in the following areas is considered meritorious for this position:

• Integrated acoustics
• Droplet-based microfluidics
• Material characterisation techniques such as SEM, AFM and microscopy
• FEM-modelling of microfluidic systems
• Culture and characterisation of mammalian cells
• Analytical techniques (e.g. optical microscopy, flow cytometry, qPCR)

We attach great importance to your personal qualities and you must be self-motivated and proactive, have the ability to independently plan and run projects as well as possess excellent analytical ability and skill with practical handling of experimental equipment.

You must also be pedagogical, structured and able to work effectively both individually and in groups, as well as be able to collaborate and communicate with people in different subject areas easily.

When assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the applicant's documented experience of publishing scientific papers in high-quality journals and giving presentations at scientific meetings.

Instructions for application
Your application must include:

• A short letter describing yourself, your research interests and why you are suitable for this position.
• CV (max. 2 pages)
• List of publications
• A copy of your doctoral degree
• Names and contact details (address, e-mail address and telephone number) of at least two reference persons

The application will preferably be written in English. During the application period, we will continuously read application documents and call for interviews.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement.  Scope of employment 100%. Starting date as soon as possible or as agreed upon.  Placement: Uppsala

For further Information about the position, please contact Professor Maria Tenje, maria.tenje@angstrom.uu.se,  or Dr. Kristel Parv, kristel.parv@angstrom.uu.se

Information about the Division of Biomedical Engineering is available at https://www.materialvetenskap.uu.se/biomedical-engineering/

Please submit your application no later than 24 November  2023, UFV-PA 2023/3999

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