Researcher in physical chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Development of surface-based optical microscopy techniques for characterization of heterogeneous biological nanoparticle samples, including extracellular vesicles and lipid nanoparticles. Specific focus will be put on i) surface-sensitive optical scattering and fluorescence microscopy, including light-guiding nanowires, ii) lipid-based surface modifications and iii) time-resolved visualization of biological nanoparticles and their interactions with supported cell-membrane mimics. The work will also include advanced image analysis.

Work duties

• Establishment of protocols for i) productions of substrates coated with thin nanoporous silica films, ii) lipid nanoparticle (LNP) fabrication, in particular oligonucleotide containing LNPs. Design studies related to i) an improved understanding of the interaction between biological nanoparticles and cell-membrane mimics, in particular mimics of the endosomal membrane, formed on planar nanoporous and nanowire modified substrates, and ii) the impact of protein corona formation on the interaction between LNPs and cell-membrane mimics.
• Co-supervision of PhD students with projects related to the research task.
• Participation in interdisciplinary and industrial collaborations. 

Qualification requirements
Applicants must have:

• A PhD or equivalent research qualification within the subject of the position.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• The candidate should have advanced level training in surface-sensitive microscopy, design of surface-based bioanalytical sensors, lipid-based surface modifications, lipid nanoparticle formulation and image analysis. 

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
The candiadte should have a track record in interdisciplinary research programs, prefarbly including also industrial partners. Previous experience in MSc or PhD supervision is an advantage.

Terms of employment
Temporary, full-time position for 2 years: 2022-05-01 to 2024-04-30.

Contact persons: Fredrik Höök (fredrik.hook@chalmers.se) and Peter Jönsson (peter.jonsson@fkem1.lu.se).

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 two pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.