EU funded Postdoctoral position in Hydrogels

Published: 2024-02-29

Postdoctoral Researcher Position on an EU HORIZON-EIC Pathfinder Open-Funded Translational Consortial Research Project to Develop Self-Healing Hydrogels for Prophylaxis Against Viral Transmission

The Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. The Department of Medical Cell Biology at Uppsala University is a supportive and collaborative environment for multidisciplinary research, known for its strong and diverse team of international researchers. The department is home to over 110 employees, including around 25 doctoral students, 10 postdoctoral fellows, and 40 researchers, teachers, and professors, as well as students at various levels.

We are thrilled to announce a postdoctoral researcher position, as part of a prestigious European Union-funded initiative coordinated by Dr. Hongji Yan, at Uppsala University. This initiative is a collaborative effort that unites top-tier academic research groups and an industry partner from 5 EU countries with the overall aim to develop radically new approaches for prophylaxis against HIV and HSV, with a long-term vision for end-user products. My group, situated in the Department of Medical Cell Biology at Uppsala University, is partnering with the ImmunoPhysiology research laboratory led by Prof. Mia Phillipson.

As integral members of our interdisciplinary team, you will play a pivotal role in developing lubricating gels that trap viruses by incorporating virus-binding elements. These lubricating gels can transiently liquefy during intercourse for lubrication, then rapidly heal to a solid-like, effectively trapping the bound viruses before being naturally excreted. This design ensures efficient virus entrapment and removal from the vaginal lumen. You will be involved in high-impact, multidisciplinary research in a well-resourced and supportive environment and are expected to contribute to a project of significant scientific and societal importance. In parallel, you will gain an extensive network for collaboration and professional growth.

Societal importance
Globally, over a million new STIs arise daily, with women facing double the infection risk. Despite condoms being highly effective against STIs during intercourse with infected individuals, their inconsistent use and the challenges women face in negotiating their use are significant issues. Current strategies, including condom-free prophylaxis and treating infected people, not only burden society and healthcare but also contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance. This project seeks to utilize nature's defense mechanisms, such as the protective cervicovaginal mucus (CVM) in the human vagina, to develop innovative lubricants for HIV, HSV, and broader STI prophylaxis.

Scientific importance
Nature has spent hundreds of millions of years optimising elegant solutions to extremely complicated problems. One example is the mucus gel that covers the human body's wet epithelial surfaces, spanning over 200 square meters. Mucus moisturizes and lubricates the epithelium and protects from invaders such as bacteria and viruses to maintain tissue homeostasis. Mucin glycoproteins are the major non-aqueous components of mucus, and are made up of  protein backbones decorated by sugar molecules, which produce remarkable chemical diversity. These properties allow mucins to play various roles in nature, including signalling to immune cells and bacteria to maintain homeostasis in mucosal tissues, as well as binding to and entrapping various viral particles in mucus gels while removing them by active mucus turnover. Our approach is to learn from nature’s solutions but improve nature's failures. 

Responsibilities
Outlining the postdoc's expected tasks, such as experimental design, materials synthesis, FACS, In vitro and in vivo models, data analysis, and dissemination of findings through publications and conferences, documentation for EU project, and supervision of students at various levels.

Requirements
PhD degree, or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree, in biomaterials, biotechnology, biomedicine, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, immunology, or a related subject. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. The PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, military duties, etc. 

We consider very high motivation and enthusiasm as fundamental prerequisites for these positions, encompassing initiative taking and active collaboration with fellow researchers. Our research ecosystem is currently experiencing significant growth and establishment of close partnerships with both internal teams at Uppsala University and external collaborators.

Your ability to work both independently and collaboratively, together with your proficiency in the required areas, will be key to the success of this role.

In addition, the candidates must possess:

• Educational credentials: Evidence of expertise in hydrogel development, cell biology/immunology/physiology and engineering, demonstrated through degrees, publications and other relevant qualifications
• Exceptional organizational skills, and a high degree of motivation to excel in a dynamic research environment
• Autonomy: the capability to independently perform complex tasks with minimal supervision
• The ability to onboard and supervise new group members and students
• Excellent problem-solving skills, strong analytical skills, protocol development expertise
• Proficiency in scientific writing, and in summarizing results and data
• Very strong English communication skills, both spoken and written

Additional qualifications
The application should contain a short personal letter with a brief description of research interests and relevant experiences (1/2 A4) together with a full CV, copies of diplomas and transcripts, the applicant’s thesis (or a draft) and documentation from other to the position relevant experiences.

Please also submit two letters of reference or contact information of previous direct research supervisors.

Selection of candidates is based on qualifications, previous work experience, and personal suitability.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of two years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Hongji Yan, [email protected]

Please submit your application by the 9th of April 2024, UFV-PA 202/680.

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Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Medical Cell Biology

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position

Pay: Individual salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: Seko Universitetsklubben [email protected]
ST/TCO [email protected]
Saco-S-föreningen [email protected]

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2024/680

Last application date: 2024-04-09

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