Postdoctoral position in biomolecule detection using nanowires in biological samples

Description of the workplace

The position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, a division with around 100 employees where extensive research is carried out centered on various aspects of nanophysics, ranging from materials science to bio- and quantum physics to various applications. The division is a central part of NanoLund, Lund University's large interdisciplinary research Centre on nanoscience and nanotechnology. 

Responsible for the position are Prof. Christelle Prinz and Prof. Heiner Linke at the Division of Solid State Physics at Lund University. They are PIs in the VR interdisciplinary research environment “Genes & Wires”, which overarching aim is to achieve single molecule bioanalytical sensing for precision cancer diagnostics.

More information can be found at: www.ftf.lth.se, NanoLund

Research Portal Heiner Linke

Research Portal Christelle Prinz 

Subject description

A considerable part of the research in the division is in the field of nanobiotechnology where we develop new methods to investigate biological systems, or to exploit biomolecules within nanocomponents. The Division is leading a project to develop nanowire-based platforms for rapid analysis of single molecules based on immunofluorescence. The ultimate goal is to detect markers for e.g. cancer directly in samples derived from clinical work without the need for chemical reprocessing with much higher sensitivity than is possible today. This includes biomarker detection from biological fluids and direct cell interrogation using nanowires and nanotubes. 

Work duties

The main task of a postdoctoral fellow is to conduct research.  Teaching may also be included in the duties, but not more than one fifth of the working hours. Within the framework of the employment, there is an opportunity for three weeks of university pedagogical training. The purpose of the position is to develop independence as a researcher and to create the conditions for further merit.

The focus of the project is to develop and improve immunofluorescence-based detection methods of biomolecules on nanostructured surfaces, including from realistic biological samples, such as biological fluids and living cells. 

For instance, a possible focus will be to adapt the method of nanowire-assisted biomolecule detection to molecules of clinical or pharmaceutical importance, such as cell-surface markers, intracellular proteins and mRNA, or tumorigenic genetic lesions.  One of the project aims is to achieve the ability to detect multiple types of biomarkers on the same platform, for example by using microfluidic techniques.

Methods may include bioanalytical and biochemical methods, fluorescence microscopy, TIRF, microfluidics, surface modification, nanofabrication, and image analysis. 

Supervisors of the project are Heiner Linke, Professor of Solid State Physics, Lund University and Christelle Prinz, Professor in Biophysics at the division of Solid State Physics, Lund University.

The project will also be conducted in close collaboration with the groups of Fredrik Höök at Chalmers Technical University and Thoas Fioretos at the medical faculty of Lund University.

The postdoc is expected to work independently as well as in close collaboration with other researchers associated with the project.

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English. 
• Substantial experience with fluorescence microscopy 

Assessment criteria 

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

Experience of working with

• Image analysis
• Custom-built optical microscopy set-up.
• Nanostructured surfaces
• Microfluidic design, experiment and/or modeling
• Methods from biochemistry or molecular biology for studies of single proteins or nucleotides
• Lipid bilayers or colloidal chemistry
• DNA nanotechnology
• Nanofabrication
•  Quantitative analysis of single-molecule data

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

We offer

You will be included in a team of researchers at NanoLund, a highly visible nanoscience center that offers excellent career development, an open and inclusive research environment with an active community of PhD students and postdocs, and access to a wide range of state-of-the-art capabilities within characterization, nanofabrication and modelling.

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years with the possibility to extend to 3 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

The application must be written in English and contain a letter in which you briefly describe yourself and your research interests, including contributions to the described research project. The application must also contain a CV, a copy of the doctoral degree certificate, a list of at least two references with contact details, copies of grades and other documents that you wish to refer to. 

Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions in the final step of the application process.

Welcome with your application!