MSCA PostDoc at SoftiMAX

THIS POSITION is based at the SoftiMAX beamline, part of the Imaging group at MAX IV, which encompasses 12-15 people (post-docs, engineers, scientists). Their main task is to aid research and develop the techniques and instrumentation, which are used by researchers from magnetism and chemistry to biomedical and environmental science. For information on the beamline, see: SoftiMAX

Description of the AMBER project
This post-doctoral position is part of AMBER, Advanced Multiscale Biological imaging using European Research infrastructures, which will address scientific and sectoral gaps in biological imaging ranging from molecular, through cellular, to tissue, organ and organism levels of organisation, and is coordinated by LINXS Institute of advanced Neutron and X-ray Science.

AMBER is funded by the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) COFUND scheme. Around 20 postdocs will be recruited in the 4th call 2025. Each fellowship lasts 36 months. For more information, visit https://www.euraxess.se/jobs/341970

The interviews will start in November 2025. For more information about AMBER, application and evaluation process, visit: ambercofund.eu

Minimum Qualification requirements are:

• Maximum 8 years after a doctoral degree (PhD)
• At least 1 original publication in a peer-reviewed journal
• A background in the relevant methods
• Complete application package submitted through the AMBER portal (including CV and detailed research plan)
• Strict compliance with the MSCA mobility rule that the researcher must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host organisation's country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately prior to the call deadline

Each project will have additional specific requirements candidates have to fulfill, check what these are before you apply.

Instructions on how to apply
For more information and documents/templates/europass link, visit https://www.ambercofund.eu/for-applicants. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you are interested in applying for more positions (max. 3) you need to make a full application for each individual position. Applications shall be written in English and in PDF format.

1. A CV (europass format) exported to PDF to use in your application
2. A detailed research plan including secondments (candidates can suggest more than the mandated secondment), schools and conferences as well as a templated budget plan. The research plan should be concise, 3 pages, including 1/3 page of summary/abstract.

Additional texts to include in the PDF are:
3. Letter of Commitment from any additional secondment partners the candidate wishes to bring onboard
4. Evidence of English proficiency (minimum CEFR B22, also checked at interview)
5. A draft Individual Career Development Plan (ICDP)
6. Two reference letters
7. Any additional documents to support the application
8. Ethical questionnaire (HE ethics checklist + research ethics commitment)
9. A candidate can apply for up to 3 positions. A list with order of preference of positions should be sent to: amber@linxs.se


THIS PROJECT: Developing a nano-spectral imaging approach for biological & biomedical samples.
In bio samples, complex chemical and structural composition on the microscopic level translates into the function on a macroscopic level. Imaging biomolecules, together with trace elements, is vital in understanding complex processes, disease mechanisms, or the effects of treatments. The role of trace elements can be measured with Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy, integrated into a multi-modal imaging platform: using also super-resolution Infrared microscopies, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) mapping and similar, offering detailed structural, chemical, and functional information.

A critical component of the project is the development of bio-sample preparation strategies and the optimization of imaging parameters. Overall, this project aims to explore, develop and integrate advanced imaging modalities towards their use for biological samples.

Work tasks
The main task of the position is to conduct research and develop independence as a researcher. User support is also included (max 33% of working hours). The position includes the opportunity for further training and courses in consultation with the PI.

The research duties will focus on developing, supporting, and analysing multi-modal X-ray imaging methods for bio(medical) samples, mainly STXM, but including IR-microscopy, XRF mapping or PEEM, where relevant.

Detailed description of the work tasks:

• Responsible for designing, planning, and performing experiments, with participation of colleagues/collaborators
• Responsible for designing, planning, and performing image analysis
• The project is in collaboration with international partners, active interaction as a team member is expected
• Support of relevant user beamtime, i.e. collaborators
• Disseminate results at relevant meetings and through articles

Qualifications required for the project:

• PhD in a relevant science area
• Proven experience in STXM
• Proven experience in X-ray imaging of biological samples, including aspects of sample preparation and data analysis
• Good presentation skills (written & oral)

Qualifications of merit:

• Knowledge of other synchrotron X-ray/IR techniques
• Knowledge of lab-based imaging techniques (TEM, fluorescence, histology etc.)
• Successful grant applications
• Experience in Python programming
• Having worked on diverse science projects, in international surroundings