Postdoctoral position in Nanotechnology and Functional Materials with focus on nanomaterials for biomedical applications - 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 divisions with different research focus.

The Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials is part of the Department of Materials Science, and engineering, Ångström Laboratory. At the division, we conduct research within functional porous materials for energy and environmental applications, nano biomaterials, sustainable electrical energy storage and energy transformations, functionalization of electrode surfaces for catalytic applications, additive manufacturing of pharmaceutical materials, microsensors for in vivo usage and sustainable materials from biomass. Researchers here thus have extensive experience in the functionalization of biomaterials, biocompatibility, diagnostics, additive manufacturing, organic energy storage, nanosafety and the development and characterization of functional porous materials.

Project description
This an interdisciplinary research project with the aim of developing a new generation of host defense peptide-based therapeutic platforms for the treatment of chronic wounds. Host defense peptides (HDPs) have been signalled as promising for the treatment of chronic wounds but they still have not reached their full clinical potential. Lessons learnt from the failures in clinical trials, indicate that peptide formulation should be investigated in early stages of peptide development. In this project, by focusing on the design of HDPs with enhanced wound healing properties and the simultaneous development of HDP-formulations, we expect to not only significantly impact the field of chronic wound care but also advance on the clinical use of HDPs. Nanocellulose hydrogels have been selected as the core wound dressing to explore formulation strategies to increase the therapeutic potential of HDPs in chronic wound care. The research activities include the functionalization of nanocellulose materials with the bioactive peptides, followed by the evaluation of the functionalized materials in terms of physicochemical and biological properties. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers at the Dept. of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University (Prof. Ulf Göransson research group) and at the Dept. of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell biology, Karolinska Institute (Prof. Annelie Brauner research group).

Work duties
The work will primarily be focussed on the development of nanocellulose-based formulations for achieving an effective delivery of HDPs to the chronic wound environment. This implies the chemical modification of nanocellulose and its functionalization with HDPs as well as the incorporation of crosslinkers to investigate the controlled release of the peptides. Diverse coupling chemistries and strategies will be investigated to assure a stable and bioactive functionalized material. The work also includes material characterization in terms of chemical structure, degree of substitution, fiber morphology and material stability in simulated biological environments. The peptide design and synthesis are also a fundamental part of the experimental work.

In addition to research, some participation in teaching may also be included, e.g. supervision of doctoral and master students.  Communication of research results through scientific articles in well-established scientific journals and presentations at international conferences are also important aspects of the position. 

Qualification requirements
To qualify for an employment on a postdoctoral position you must have a doctoral degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD 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.

This position requires a doctoral degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Materials Science or related fields. We require documented knowledge and experience in carbohydrate chemistry and material characterization.

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

Additional qualifications
Experience in chemical modification of nanocellulose will be considered a strong merit, as well as expertise in design and synthesis of peptides.

Documented knowledge and experience in electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, HPLC, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and circular dichroism is meriting.

Personal qualities such as a strong motivation and the ability to work independently and in collaboration with individuals from diverse disciplines are required. We require a structured way of working as well as the ability to lead and execute subprojects.

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.

The application should contain:

• A personal letter describing yourself, your research interests and previous experiences and why you are suitable for this position
• CV (max. 2 pages)
• Publication list
• Copies of your doctoral degree, master level educational transcripts and other relevant documents
• Name and contact details (address, email address and telephone number) of at least two reference persons. Please state your relation to these references.  

The application should 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: Associate Professor Natalia Ferraz, natalia.ferraz@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application no later than 2 April 2024, UFV-PA 2024/655.

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