Postdoctoral position in the field of biomedical engineering with focus on microfluidic systems
Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.
EMBLA is a research group within the division of Biomedical Engineering at the Materials Sciences & Engineering Department, located at the Ångström Laboratory. EMBLA focuses on developing new and also using already existing methods for the manufacture of microfluidic systems that can be used in new experimental platforms for visualization and characterization of cells in the life sciences. There are currently about 20 people in the research group.
More information on the research group’s profile is available in the website:
https://www.materialvetenskap.uu.se/medicinsk-teknik/forskning/embla/
Research project: Despite the immense biomaterial (e.g. dental implants and synthetic bone grafts) developments over the years, a very small proportion of these new materials become clinical products. This can be partially attributed to the lack of correlation between the consecutive methods used to assess the biological properties of biomaterials, namely cell cultures (in vitro), animal testing (in vivo) and clinical trials (with volunteer patients). This research project will focus on the development of a new research tool to recreate the biological and physical stimuli of the host tissue upon the implantation of a biomaterial, to improve the in vivo resemblance of the test models and to increase predictive precision. To achieve this, bone repair biomaterials will be integrated in microfluidic platforms to study the biological properties of biomaterials in a more reliably manner.
Work duties: The tasks within this interdisciplinary research project include, among other duties, to conduct high-quality research in projects from design and manufacturing to evaluation and publication in collaboration with other group members. The tasks within this research project involve planning and performing different types of experiments, for example, to design and develop microfluidic systems with different microfabrication techniques, to fabricate biomaterials as well as to culture cells on the biomaterials integrated in the microfluidic system to evaluate how different parameters influence cells growth and behavior. The work also involves analyzing the results and disseminating the new knowledge through scientific articles and presentations at international conferences. The position also includes some supervision of undergraduate and PhD students.
Qualifications requirements: To qualify for an employment as a postdoctor you must have a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree. 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, duties in labour unions, etc.
This position requires a doctoral degree in materials technology, microsystem technology, biotechnology or a related field. We also require documented experience in the manufacture of microfluidic systems and cell culture (mammalian cells). Further requirements for the position is documented experience in biological characterization, such as staining and microscopy of cells.
We require very good written and oral skills in English as well as good as very good skills in writing scientific publications.
We require the ability to work focused, structured and with foresight, both individually and in groups, and to be able to collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment with colleagues both within and outside the department.
When assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s documented experience of publishing scientific work in high-quality journals and giving presentations at scientific meetings.
Additional qualifications: Experience of developing miniaturized systems (microfluidic systems) through cleanroom techniques or additive manufacturing as well as experience characterizing microfluidic systems through SEM or flow mechanics models is highly meritorious. Experience of biological characterization such as biochemical methods and ELISA is an advantage. Experience of obtaining external research grants is also highly meritorious.