Postdoctoral fellow in in microfluidic engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Post-doctoral fellow in microfluidic engineering in a microbial ecology project: The creation of microspatial environments for culturing soil microbes

Subject description
Soils store much more carbon (C) than the atmosphere, and microorganisms play an important role to govern whether C compounds remain in the soil, or whether they are disintegrated back to CO2. An important mechanism of long-term C storage is the physical stabilization of organic matter within the soil structure, meaning that C can be “hidden” from its decomposers in the complex matrix of soil aggregates, but the processes involved are not well understood.

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated post-doctoral fellow for an interdisciplinary project in microbial ecology at the Department of Biology, Lund University. The project focuses on creating a microfluidic model for the physical and chemical heterogeneity that soil microhabitats constitute for organisms. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with microbial ecologists, environmental and soil scientists and engineers. You will be part of an active research group at the Department of Biology (https://www.biology.lu.se/research/research-groups/microbial-ecology) and collaborate with engineers at the Department of Biomedical Engineering (http://bme.lth.se/research-pages/nanobiotechnology-and-lab-on-a-chip/). The cross-disciplinary environment will provide the candidate with ample possibilities to learn new skills and methods ranging from biology to engineering.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 10% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Work duties include:

• Development of methods to create microscale heterogeneity, both physical and chemical, in microfluidic chips
• Develop ways to include optical windows for spectroscopic analyses into the chips
• Develop ways to analyse microscopic data from the chips, via automated image analysis and self-learning algorithms
• Work in tight collaboration with biologists that perform microscopic experiments in the newly developed chips
• Work in tight collaboration with a postdoc at MaxLab IV performing synchrotron analysis in chips, and a spectroscopist performing Raman- and FT-IR analysis in chips
• Actively contribute to a positive and creative working atmosphere in the group

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, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier (this may be adjusted based on, for example, documentation of parental leave or military service).

Additional requirements:

• PhD certificate in engineering, with specialization in microfluidics or other relevant field
• Experience in the development of microfluidic chips Experience or strong interest in biological and/or environmental applications Experience in image analysis, modeling and self-learning algorithms, or the willingness to acquire these skills
• Very good proficiency in written and communicated English Good communication skills and the ability to work well with other members of the research team.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a research 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:

• documented ability to develop and carry out high-quality research documentation of successful completion of research projects high intellectual capacity and problem-solving ability technical and analytical know-how, organization skills enthusiasm, dedication and an ability to work both independently and embedded in a team

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and 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.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 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”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• Motivation letter Résumé/CV, including date of public PhD thesis defense or equivalent, title of the thesis, previous appointments, current position, academic distinctions and special expertise
• Full list of publications
• General description of past research and future research interests (no more than one page)
• Names, relation to and contact information of 2 professional references
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered