Postdoc position on bioinspired mucociliary clearance systems based on artificial magnetic cilia

11 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

UNICAMP

Department

Institute of Chemistry

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry
Engineering » Materials engineering

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

Brazil

Application Deadline

1 Sep 2024 - 23:59 (America/Sao_Paulo)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

We are seeking highly motivated candidates with previous experience as detailed below, with interpersonal skills who can contribute to the lab community and with disposition for international internships. Candidates should have completed their PhD degrees no longer than 7 years ago and should have a good command of both oral and written English. We also look for candidates with a strong track record in topics related to each position. Our laboratories are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. As such, our evaluation will seek to find the most suitable applicants regardless of their origin or preferences.

FAPESP postdoctoral scholarships are granted for a period of three years, with the possibility of renewal for another year.  Selected candidates will be entitled to a monthly payment of BRL 9.047,40 (around USD 1750), free of taxes, air tickets, and one extra payment for installation in Campinas if coming from other places.

Please submit your application at https://www.colloidsbr.com/opportunities , providing a short CV, a motivation letter, and a recommendation letter, complying with each application deadline. These positions are under the supervision of Prof. Watson Loh (lattes link), at the Department of Physical Chemistry of the Institute of Chemistry of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP).

 

A bioinspired mucociliary clearance system based on mucin-mimetic supramolecular glycopolymers and artificial magnetic cilia for human airway stents

This is an international collaboration project founded by FAPESP and NWO, led by Profs Watson Loh (IQ-UNICAMP) and Roxanne Kieltyka (Leiden University, NL), including researchers from INCOR/USP, DEMa/UFSCar, ICTSJC/Unifesp, ICT/UNESP, and Fundação Adib Jatene in Brazil, and Delft University, NL).

This project aims at the development of synthetic mimics of the functional components involved in mucociliary clearance based on mucin-inspired supramolecular glycopolymers and artificial magnetic cilia that can be activated by an external magnetic field. We will explore the synergy between these synthetic components on the movement of mucus out of a tubular configuration for its eventual use in tracheal stents that consist solely of silicone-based tubings. The upgrade of these medical devices to an active, biomimetic platform is anticipated to reduce biofilm formation and infection due to the regenerable surfaces provided by the supramolecular polymers and the beating of the artificial cilia through their magnetic actuation.

The highly interdisciplinary nature of the proposal and matched expertise of the consortium on the Brazilian and Dutch sides, with support from medical centers and a non-profit organization, will facilitate the development of this bioinspired platform for mucociliary clearance from the molecular to the macroscale for tracheal health. This project should build on early investigations from this group (doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11030261), and potential candidates should present a strong background in polymer science, preferably with expertise in polymer processing, modification, and characterization techniques. The selected candidate will coordinate efforts from both Brazilian and Dutch teams and is expected to spend an internship in Leiden.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Materials engineering

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistryEngineering » Materials engineering

Additional Information

Website for additional job details

https://www.colloidsbr.com/opportunities

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

UNICAMP

Country

Brazil

State/Province

São Paulo

City

Campinas

Postal Code

13083-970

Street

Rua Josué de Castro, s/n

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.colloidsbr.com/opportunities

Contact

State/Province

SP

City

Campinas

Website

https://www.colloidsbr.com/opportunities

Street

Rua Josué de Castro, s/n

Postal Code

13083-970

E-Mail

[email protected]

Phone

+55 (19) 3521 3148

STATUS: EXPIRED