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

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research in a broad technology-related area, from basic research to large-scale applied research, and close contacts with students through the department's involvement in civil engineering, bachelor's and master's programs. Our research and teaching is conducted within seven departments with different research focus. Read more about us here https://www.materialvetenskap.uu.se/

The Division of Biomedical Engineering is part of the Department of Materials Science, and Engineering at the Ångström Laboratory. We perform research within the development and evaluation of new materials in interaction with biological systems to understand the underlying principles. For us, it is equally important to study the impact of materials on biological processes as well as the impact of biological processes on materials. Our ambition is to foster a dynamic teaching and research environment that is internationally recognised for its excellence in connecting basic research with clinical applications   https://www.materialvetenskap.uu.se/medicinsk-teknik/

The interdisciplinary research group EMBLA  led by Professor Maria Tenje conducts successful and internationally recognized research in organs-on-chip and droplet-based microfluidics in collaboration with research teams at several different Swedish and foreign universities. Research funding has been obtained through several prestigious grants, i.e. from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the European Research Council (ERC). Read more about the research group here  https://www.materialvetenskap.uu.se/medicinsk-teknik/forskning/embla/

Research project
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-based 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 and culture of organoids, we are now looking for a postdoctoral fellow who is driven by scientific curiosity with expertise in cell culture to strengthen the group's biological competence.

Work duties
The tasks within this interdisciplinary research project include, among other things, conducting high-quality research in all stages of the project, from design and manufacturing to evaluation and publication of the scientific results, in collaboration with other members of the research group. You are expected to be responsible for the fabrication and characterisation of microfluidic systems for cell culture to, for example, study the effects of flow and shear forces as well as the concentration of different growth factors on cell differentiation. Additionally, you will be expected to evaluate the biocompatibility of the acoustic manipulation technology we use in our systems. You are expected to grow cells in both 2D and 3D with a focus on minimizing necrosis in 3D cultured cell systems.

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 funds.

Qualification requirements
For employment as a postdoctoral fellow, you must have a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree  equivalent to a doctoral degree. 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.

For this position, a PhD in biomedical engineering, materials science, engineering sciences, nanotechnology, or an equivalent degree in a related field is required.

We also require documented knowledge and experience in fabrication of microfluidic systems and cell culture, in both 2D and 3D, of mammalian cells, as well as documented knowledge and experience in biological characterisation such as staining and microscopy. We require excellent analytical skills as well as expertise in experimental research and handling of measuring instruments.

We require very good written and oral skills in English as well as very good skills in writing scientific publications.

Additional qualifications
We attach great importance to your personal qualities and you must be self-motivated and proactive and have the ability to independently plan and run projects. 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 subjects easily.

Your application must include:

•  A short letter describing yourself and why you are suitable for this position.
•  CV (max. 2 pages)
•  List of relevant 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 for 2 years according to a central collective agreement. The position is full-time. Starting  date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further Information about the position, please contact:  Professor Maria Tenje, maria.tenje@angstrom.uu.se or Dr Susan Peacock, susan.peacock@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application no later than 4 April, 2024, UFV-PA 2024/654.

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