EU funded Postdoctoral position in Hydrogels - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Postdoctoral Researcher Position on an EU HORIZON-EIC Pathfinder Open-Funded Translational Consortial Research Project to Develop Self-Healing Hydrogels for Prophylaxis Against Viral Transmission

The Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. The Department of Medical Cell Biology at Uppsala University is a supportive and collaborative environment for multidisciplinary research, known for its strong and diverse team of international researchers. The department is home to over 110 employees, including around 25 doctoral students, 10 postdoctoral fellows, and 40 researchers, teachers, and professors, as well as students at various levels.

Background:

We are thrilled to announce a postdoctoral researcher positions, as part of a prestigious European Union-funded initiative coordinated by Dr. Hongji Yan at Uppsala University. This initiative is a collaborative effort that unites top-tier academic research groups and an industry partner from 5 EU countries with the overall aim to develop radically new approaches for prophylaxis against HIV-1 and HSV-2, with a long-term vision for an end-user product for broader STIs.

As integral members of our interdisciplinary team, you will play a pivotal role in developing lubricating gels that trap viruses by incorporating virus-binding elements. These unique crosslinking reactions result in forms of strain-weakening gels that can transiently liquefy during intercourse for lubrication, then rapidly heal to a solid-like, stable state, effectively trapping the bound viruses before being naturally excreted. This design ensures efficient virus entrapment and removal from the vaginal lumen. Their antiviral efficacy and biosafety will be assessed in vivo. You will be involved in high-impact, multidisciplinary research in a well-resourced and supportive environment and are expected to contribute to a project of significant scientific and societal importance. In parallel, you will gain an extensive network for collaboration and professional growth.

Societal importance
According to the WHO more than one million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur every day worldwide, and women are particularly affected. This number is expected to increase, and as of today, only two efficient vaccines (against HBV Hepatitis B virus and HPV, Human Papillomavirus) are available. All ages, genders, races, and nations are vulnerable to STIs, especially HIV/HSV. Globally, tremendous efforts are made to develop prophylactic methods to prevent STIs and to treat infected individuals, which creates a significant burden on society and healthcare systems that affect the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Those infected individuals suffer physically and mentally, which also affects their families and has far-reaching consequences for entire societies. Most adults living with HIV are in their prime working years (15-49 years), which reduces the labor force and productivity, leads to economic stagnation. The use of condoms would be the most effective means of preventing STIs, but in at-risk groups, condoms are often not used or are used improperly. Thus, the development of technologies that empower women to protect themselves from HIV and HSV is urgently needed. 

Scientific importance
Nature has spent hundreds of millions of years optimising elegant solutions to extremely complicated problems. One example is the mucus gel that covers the human body's wet epithelial surfaces, spanning over 200 square meters. Mucus moisturizes and lubricates the epithelium and protects from invaders such as bacteria and viruses to maintain tissue homeostasis. Mucin glycoproteins are the major non-aqueous components of mucus, and are made up of  protein backbones decorated by sugar molecules, which produce remarkable chemical diversity. These properties allow mucins to play various roles in nature, including signalling to immune cells and bacteria to maintain homeostasis in mucosal tissues, as well as binding to and entrapping various viral particles in mucus gels while removing them by active mucus turnover. Our approach is to learn from nature's solutions but improve on nature's failures. 

Responsibilities
This role will contribute to the design of innovative lubricating gels that exhibit strain-weakening behavior to minimize friction and recover their structure upon shear removal. The project requires proficiency in organic and polymer chemistry, along with hands-on experience in hydrogel synthesis and characterization techniques, to drive the development of self-healing soft materials.

Requirements
PhD degree, or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree, in biomaterials, biotechnology, biomedicine, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, immunology, or a related subject. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. The PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, military duties, etc. 

We consider very high motivation and enthusiasm as fundamental prerequisites for these positions, encompassing initiative taking and active collaboration with fellow researchers. Our research ecosystem is currently experiencing significant growth and establishment of close partnerships with both internal teams at Uppsala University and external collaborators.

Your ability to work both independently and collaboratively, together with your proficiency in the required areas, will be key to the success of this role.

Additional qualifications
The application should contain a short personal letter with a brief description of research interests and relevant experiences (1/2 A4) together with a full CV, copies of diplomas and transcripts, the applicant’s thesis (or a draft) and documentation from other to the position relevant experiences.

Please also submit two letters of reference or contact information of previous direct research supervisors.

Selection of candidates is based on qualifications, previous work experience, and personal suitability.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of two years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: 

Dr Hongji Yan, hongji.yan@mcb.uu.se

Prof. Mia Phillipson, mia.phillipson@mcb.uu.se

Please submit your application by the 4th of November 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3101.

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