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

Subject description
The present project area lies within colloid and interface science, a sub-discipline of physical chemistry. Focusing on the interaction of nanomaterials with lipid membranes, the project also includes aspects of biology and biophysics.

Work duties
The purpose of the project is to elucidate mechanisms underlying oxidative degradation of key components in bacterial cell walls, notably phospholipids and lipopolysaccharides, as well as how this translates into antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of photocatalytic nanomaterials. Addressing this, photocatalytic nanoparticles will be investigated regarding their effects on bacteria-mimicking phospholipid membranes and bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Scattering and surface chemistry techniques will be employed to investigate structural and compositional effects on exposure to photocatalytic nanoparticles in the absence and presence of illumination. The physicochemical results will be correlated to antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cell toxicity effects of the photocatalytic nanoparticles. In addition, loading the particles with antimicrobial peptides will be used to boost selectivity for bacterial cell walls. Through this, we aim to contribute to a mechanistic understanding of how photocatalytic nanoparticles can be designed to potently destabilize bacterial membranes without causing adverse effects, e.g., related to oxidative destabilization of human cell membranes or release of inflammatory lipopolysaccharide fragments.

The main duty of the successful candidate will be to execute research in the subject area outline above. Additional tasks include:  

• Coordination of collaborations within the subject area with international partners
• Co-supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Responsibility for managing selected laboratory instrumentation
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

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.
• Strong documented research experience within the area of lipid membrane interactions of nanoparticles, as well as broad experience of surface chemistry techniques (e.g., QCM-d, SAXS, neutron reflectometry, and neutron scattering) for investigating such systems.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

• Hands-on experience with research within colloid and interface science, and a background in surface chemistry, physical chemistry, or biophysics, is an advantage.
• Experience with surface chemistry methodologies for investigating self-assembly systems (SAXS) and biological (model) systems at interfaces (QCM-d, neutron reflectometry, neutron scattering) is an advantage.
• Experience of surface chemical studies of lipid membrane interactions with nanoparticles, and particularly so for inorganic and photocatalytic nanoparticles, is an advantage.
• Experience of studies of lipopolysaccharide-nanoparticle interactions is an advantage.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, 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
The position is a fixed term employment (Särskild visstidsanställning) for 12 months, at 100 per cent of full time with preferred starting date 2022-11-01, or by agreement.

Contact person: Professor Martin Malmsten, martin.malmsten@fkem1.lu.se, phone number +45 31 49 92 03.

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.