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

Subject description

The human skin is a vital barrier that provides both mechanical and chemical protection. Its barrier function is assured by its outermost layer, the stratum corneum, which prevents from desiccation and protects against uptake of chemicals. The healthy stratum corneum is also smooth, flexible and tolerates deformation from physical strain and stress. Taken together, the stratum corneum membrane fulfills several different requirements, and its unique material properties can be related to the structure, organization and dynamics of its components. We use a physical-chemical approach to investigate the relation between macroscopic and molecular properties in intact stratum corneum.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position 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 tasks include experimental studies of stratum corneum dynamics and structure using solid state, DNP  and diffusion NMR, scattering methods and sorption methods. The aim is to understand changes in the surroundings and the addition of small molecules influence the stratum corneum lipids and proteins components, and how this in turn influence the transport properties of the skin. The project includes experimental studies of the stratum corneum and its constituents. The project take place in collaboration with experts in NMR methods.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Research within the subject area
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

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 date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Background in physical chemistry, materials science, biophysics or equivalent, as well as documented experience of experimental research in surface and colloid chemistry.

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.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience of NMR and scattering methods as well as knowledge in Matlab is a great advantage, as is documented experience from experimental studies of self-assembling systems consisting of, for example, lipids and proteins.
• Good knowledge in presenting and communicating research results to others
• Documented experience of interdisciplinary research projects and / or collaborations with the industry is an advantage.

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 and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

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.