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

Post-doctoral fellow in SERS microspectroscopy in soil chips for detection of soil fungal secondary metabolites

Subject description

Soil fungi play a crucial role in global biogeochemical cycles, predominantly through decomposition of complex organic matter. Overall functioning and productivity of the fungal community is significantly affected by interspecific interactions and competition for resources, which, in turn, affects the biogeochemical cycles and fluxes of respired CO2 from soil. In the face of climate change and other human activity-induced changes of environmental conditions, better understanding of fundamental mechanisms behind these fungal interactions is necessary in order to determine the direction of the overall decomposition rates and to make sure that our soils serve as overall sinks and not emitters of carbon.

To survive in a resource limited environment, fungi have developed means for interspecific communication and warfare via an arsenal of secreted secondary metabolites. Specific ecological role of those metabolites and the extent to which they affect the biogeochemical cycling during fungal interactions remains unknown. Because they are secreted and act at a single-cell scale, tracing them ‘then and there’ can aid in identifying potential triggers for their production and clarifying their function. Currently used methods have either insufficient resolution or are destructive, and are not suitable for such analyses.

The aim of this highly interdisciplinary European Research Council (ERC) funded project is to establish experimental protocols for the single-cell scale soil fungal secondary metabolite identification and characterization using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) microspectroscopy - a method that employs optical properties of gold nanoparticles for molecule specific sensing and that has been shown in biomedical research to have an extraordinary potential for studying microbial metabolic processes. To access the fungal cells live, microfluidic technology-based soil chips will further be used. The role of the postdoc in the project will be to develop experimental protocols for incorporating the gold nanoparticle-based SERS substrates into the soil chips and strategies (experimental setup and data analysis) for the metabolite identification and characterization.

This postdoc is expected to closely collaborate with another postdoc and a PhD student also working within the project.

Work duties

The main duties involved in the post-doctoral position is to conduct research, consisting of development of protocols for the gold nanoparticle synthesis (mainly colloids) and incorporation into microfluidic soil chip structures for SERS substrate production, followed by recording and analyzing spectral data. Additional duties include working with laboratory strains of soil fungi, the secondary metabolomes of which will be analyzed. Teaching may also be included to promote career development, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall also include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Detailed description of the work duties:

· Developing protocols for synthesis and characterisation of gold nanoparticles of various shapes and sizes (potentially, functionalized), mainly using liquid colloid preparation approaches

· Incorporating the prepared nanoparticles into microfluidic soil chip structures and performing SERS microspectroscopy measurements of soil fungal metabolites

· Data analysis of the recorded spectra for the fungal metabolome characterization

· Scientific writing

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. Special emphasis will be placed on scientific ability in the subject areas of analytical chemistry (especially Raman microspectroscopy approaches), nanoscience and nanotechnology, but other subject areas may also be considered if they are deemed relevant to the project. The doctoral studies must be 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:

· Experience in working with spectroscopy methods, particularly Raman (micro)spectroscopy, preferably including applications of SERS

· Experience in spectral data analysis

· Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Merits:

· Experience in nanoparticle synthesis

· Experience in working with biological samples

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.

· Fulfilment of the requirements above.

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 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,

· cover letter, including 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.