Post doctoral fellow in biochemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology forms, together with the Division of Biophysical Chemistry, the Centre for Protein Molecular Sciences (CMPS) at the Department of Chemistry, Lund University. The research at CMPS aims to understand the molecular mechanisms of cellular processes by exploring structure, dynamics and function of key proteins in a highly integrated approach.

The advertised postdoc position will be placed in the group of Dr. Tommy Cedervall who focuses on characterization of interactions between nanoparticles and biological solutions and environmental related toxicological studies of nanoplastics (both manufactured and break down products). The work will have a main focus on producing, characterizing and toxicological evaluate polyethylene nanoparticles. 

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 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The aim of the postdoc project is to produce wear nanoparticles (by mechanical force, UV-light and so on), from PE, characterize the particles and evaluate the toxicity of PE breakdown nanoparticles in mammalian systems and aquatic organisms. Specific tasks include:

• Mechanical and photochemical breakdown of PE plastics
• Biophysical characterization of nanoparticles
• Biophysical characterization of biological molecules interactions with nanoparticles
• Toxicological studies on algae, Daphnia and fish
• Maintaining cultures of algae, Daphnia and fish

The postdoc is expected to take an active part in the overall research activity of the group, including sharing duties in the laboratory and responsibility for equipment as well as co-supervision of PhD- and undergraduate project students. 

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.

Additional requirements
The successful candidate must have a PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biology, Medicine or related area.

The successful candidate must be able to work independently. This includes the ability to suggest, plan and execute relevant experiments as well as interpret, present and discuss results in an independent manner. The successful candidate must also be able to work collaboratively in a research team. The candidate must be proficient in the English language, both for everyday and scientific communication, and have a documented ability to present research in a clear manner, both as oral presentation and in writing in the form of scientific articles.

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 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.

The following is considered a merit for the position:

• Previous experience in characterizing nanoparticles with technics such as: NTA, DLS, FTIR and EM.
• Previous experience of conducting toxicological studies on aquatic organisms.
• Maintaining cultures of aquatic organisms.

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:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.