Postdoctoral position – Nanotechnology and Functional Materials with focus on functionalization of nanocellulose - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Temporary full-time position for two years starting as soon as possible or by agreement

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with 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. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focus. Read more about us here.

The Division for Nanotechnology and Functional Materials is part of the Department of Materials Science, Ångström Laboratory. At the division, we conduct research within functional porous materials for energy and environmental applications, nanobiomaterials, sustainable electrical energy storage and energy transformations, 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. https://www.materialvetenskap.uu.se/nanotechnology-and-functional-materials/

Project description
This is an interdisciplinary research project with the aim of developing nanocellulose-based materials for the treatment of chronic wounds. The research activities include the functionalization of nanocellulose with 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 functionalization of nanocellulose with the aim of achieving an effective delivery of bioactive peptides to the chronic wound environment. This implies the chemical modification of nanocellulose and its functionalization with peptides 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, the work duties include communicating research results through scientific articles in well-established scientific journals and presentations at international conferences. The position may include some supervision of students in undergraduate and postgraduate education. You are also expected to contribute to applications for external research funding.

The position may include some supervision of students in undergraduate and postgraduate education.

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.

The 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.

We place great emphasis on your personal qualities, and it is expected that you are self-motivated, have the ability to lead and execute projects, while also being able to collaborate with other researchers from different disciplines. It is important that you are pedagogical, structured, and can work effectively both individually and in a team.

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 applying
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 shall 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 23 August 2024, UFV-PA 2024/2253

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