Postdoctoral position in Biomedical Engineering with focus on Microfluidics and Organs-on-a-chip - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

We are looking for a talented, highly motivated and creative postdoc with experience in microfluidics interested in applying this to organs-on-a-chips.  You will join the newly started interdisciplinary BioMicroSystems group, lead by Assistant Professor Maria Antfolk. The BioMicroSystems group focuses on applying microtechnology and microengineering to complex biological questions. Specifically we are working with biomaterials, droplet microfluidics, and organs-on-a-chip, with the current focus on applying these techniques to reconsitute in vitro microphysiological environments that can unravel challenging research questions in the small intestinal biology. 

You will work on a fully funded position at the Biomedical Center of Lund University. This is a highly interdisciplinary research environment that offers fantastic opportunities to scientifc and social interactions with a large and diverce group of talented researchers. These premisses harbour laboratory spaces dedicated to biomedical research including cell culture facilites and wet labs, and with access to several state-of-the-art core facilites, including flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, and genomics. The department of Biomedical Engineering also harbours premissess at the engineering facultty including a clearnroom and dedicated workshop. 

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 
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The BioMicroSystems group will offer a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment with a strive for excellence. We strive to educate and engage tomorrow’s scientists, and offer to transfer a broad set of scientific, management, and transferable skills. The position is fully funded.

Subject description

The project focuses on developing the next generation organs-on-a-chip microfluidic platform. Building upon a recently developed organs-on-a-chip we will add more functionality and control, in order to create a stand-alone system with paralellization opportunities and high-throughput possibilities. 

The organs-on-a-chip technology combines cell culture and microfluidics and can be used to mimic tissue functionality in ways not possible with conventional 2D or 3D culture systems, ensuring more highly physiologically relevant data that traditional cell culture or animal studies. 

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research within the subject area. Within the realms of the project, you will have the possibility to drive the research in your preferred direction. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. Work duties may also include supervision of degree projects and doctoral students, actively seeking external research funding, collaboration with industry and wider society, and 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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Documented extensive experience in microfluidics, and microfluidic systems development, including design of the fluidic system
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English. 

Assessment criteria 

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. 

Other qualifications:

• Documented experience with organs-on-a-chip is advantageous but not required
• Documented microfabrication experience
• Enthusiasm, motivation, creative, and proactive approach

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.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The start date is 1 March 2023, or soon thereafter after agreement. 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”).

How to apply

The application must include: CV; publication list; motivation letter including examples demonstrating the qualification requirements and assessment criteria. Applications shall be written in English. You are also asked to answer the seleciton questions. 

Welcome with your application!