Postdoc in Graphene Bioconjugate Chemistry

The main lines of research in the Group include:

- Clinical translation of bioelectronic and microfluidic devices

- Nanomaterials as vector systems for therapeutic and diagnostic applications

- Development of graphene and 2D materials in medicine

- Discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in oncology and neurology

The group brings to the Institute a strong expertise in research and development of novel types and applications of established nanoparticle systems, particularly liposomes. Moreover, rich experience in the medical translation of carbon nanomaterials, at varying shapes and dimensions, such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, nanohorns and graphene. A wide range of nanomaterials developed as platforms for the biological transport of therapeutic and diagnostic components in cell culture and preclinical disease models. The primary therapeutic targets for clinical translation of these technologies have been cancer (solid and metastatic) and brain pathologies (Parkinson’s, stroke, Alzheimers, glioblastoma).

Nanomedicine@ICN2 has strong links with the Nanomedicine Lab at the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at the University of Manchester, with Prof. Kostas Kostarelos leading both teams in a joint effort to develop medicines at the nanoscale. Graphene and 2D materials will have a central role in a number of research lines carried out in the context of the Graphene Flagship Biomedical Technologies Work Package.

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

The Research Associate in Graphene Bioconjugate Chemistry will contribute to the scientific programme and management of the Graphene Flagship project. The work will involve surface modification of different types of graphene and related 2D materials, some of which will need to undergo chemical modification to be biochemically studied (on interaction with different biological entities and cells). The Research Associate should be able to perform such experimental work alone or in collaboration with partner laboratories to improve their biocompatibility and offer added functionality to the 2D materials. Expert use of a chemical synthesis laboratory and a wide range of physicochemical and materials characterisation techniques (Raman, AFM, SEM, TGA, DLS, spectrophotometry, electron microscopy, ICP-MS, XPS) will be essential to determine the mechanisms and impact of interaction between graphene and cellular models and tissues

Principal responsibilities:

• Through interaction with the PI and other members of the Nanomedicine Group to contribute proactively to the development, progression and execution of the project
• Synthesis, functionalization, and characterisation of various graphene-based materials (graphene oxide, exfoliated graphene, other 2D material)
• Covalent and non-covalent graphene complexation with biologically active molecules (small molecules, proteins, peptides) Use of chemical synthesis tools and protocols to surface-modify 2D materials
• Use a range of physicochemical and materials characterisation techniques (Raman, AFM, SEM, TGA, DLS, spectrophotometry, electron microscopy, HPLC, XPS)
• Execution of experiments using different core facilities at the Campus UAB and collaborating institutions
• Training and supervision of students and researchers in physicochemical and materials characterisation tools and protocols established and core facilities used
• Contribution to the scientific management of the collaborative project (authoring periodic reports, presentations in biannual meetings) that will require overseas travel