Researcher Nanotechnology and Functional Materials with focus on biofunctionalization of nanomaterials

Temporary full-time position for 12 months, 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 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 with close contacts with students through the department's involvement in engineering and master's programs. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focus.

About the division

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.

Read more about the division here

Project description

This a multidisciplinary project with the aim of creating therapeutic solutions to promote the healing of chronic wounds. The focus is on developing a new generation of wound healing peptides and explore strategies for the incorporation of the novel peptides into nanocellulose-based wound dressings. The research activities include the functionalization of nanocellulose materials with the novel 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).

Duties
The work will be primarily be focussed on the chemical modification of nanocellulose and its functionalization with various 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.

Peptide design and synthesis are also a fundamental part of the experimental work.

You are expected to work safely and independently in a lab environment, as well as effectively in a large multidisciplinary group of materials scientists, chemical biologists and microbiologists.

In addition, 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.

Qualification requirements
PhD degree in chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, engineering sciences, materials science or a closely related field. We require documented knowledge and experience in carbohydrate chemistry, functionalization of carbohydrates and material characterization.

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

Additional qualifications

We are looking for you who is eager to explore innovative approaches to design and optimize materials with enhanced bioactivity.

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.

Your application must include

• A short letter of description of yourself, why are you interested in joining this project, and why you are suitable for this position
• CV (maximum 2 pages)
• Copy of the PhD, master's degree (or equivalent) and academic transcripts
• Publication list. Mark the most relevant publications for the position and comment your contribution to those publications.
• Names and contact details of at least two reference persons who have accepted to be references for you. It must also be stated what relationship you have had with the respective referent.
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During the application period, we will continuously read application documents and call for interviews

About the employment
The position is a temporary position for 12 months. Scope of employment: 100%. Starting date as soon as possible or by agreement. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Associate Professor Natalia Ferraz, natalia.ferraz@angstrom.uu.se, +46 18 471 7253

Please submit your application no later than 6 december 2024, UFV-PA 2024/3794