Postdoctoral position in biomedical engineering with at focus on droplet-based microfluidics

Published: 2023-12-15

Temporary full-time employment of two years with starting date to be mutually agreed.

The position is located at the Division of Biomedical Engineering in the interdisciplinary research group EMBLA, which is led by Professor Maria Tenje. The group, which consists of about 15 people, conducts successful and internationally recognized research in organs-on-chip and droplet-based microfluidics in collaboration with research teams at several different Swedish and overseas universities. Research funding has been obtained through several prestigious awards, including from the Knut och Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and European Research Council (ERC).

Research project: The rapid development of antibiotic resistance is one of the world's greatest threats to public health. We therefore need to develop innovative diagnostic methods that can quickly and with high accuracy identify and classify the sensitivity of different bacteria to antibiotics. The purpose is to assist in clinical decision-making with the prescription of correct antibiotic treatment.

A major challenge in determining whether bacterial cells are susceptible or resistant to a specific antibiotic is that there are sometimes very small subpopulations of bacteria that exhibit an unstable and transient change in their resistance, a phenomenon known as heteroresistance. The goal of this project is to develop new methods for rapid detection and isolation of heteroresistant subpopulations of bacteria for future clinical applications. In the project, we will develop new microfluidic systems with integrated acoustics for the identification and isolation of bacteria.

The project is part of an ongoing research collaboration with the world-leading group led by Prof. Dan I Andersson with expertise in bacteriology and research focused on antibiotic resistance. Together we develop new diagnostic methods for clinical environments.

Tasks: The tasks within this interdisciplinary research project mainly involve conducting high-quality research in all stages of the project, from the design and fabrication of microfluidic systems with integrated acoustics to the evaluation and publication of the scientific results. You are expected to be responsible for the fabrication, characterization and optimization of new acoustofluidic systems that can be used for the identification and isolation of heteroresistant bacteria. Together with other team members within the project, you are expected to apply the system for the analysis of clinical samples of bacteria and evaluate the commercial potential of the developed technology.

In addition to research, some participation in teaching is also included, e.g. supervision of doctoral students, and also master's and project students. Communication of research results through scientific articles in well-established scientific journals and presentations at international conferences are also important aspects of the position. You are also expected to contribute to applications for external research funding.

Qualitification requirements
PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

For this position, a doctoral degree in biomedical engineering, engineering physics, nanotechnology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science or equivalent education in a related field is required. We also require documented knowledge and experience in droplet-based microfluidics and integrated acoustics.

We require very good written and oral skills in English as well as very good skills in writing scientific publications.

We require excellent analytical ability as well as skill with practical handling of experimental equipment. We also require the ability to work in a focused, structured way, with foresight and within given time frames, both individually and in a group, and to be able to collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment with colleagues both inside and outside the department.

Additional qualifications:Documented knowledge and experience in the fabrication and use of microsystems with special expertise in UV lithography, casting and bonding of PDMS. Skills in statistics and experimental design and previous competence and experience in evaluating the commercial potential of research results are also meritorious.

When assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the applicant's documented experience of publishing scientific works in high-quality journals and giving presentations at scientific meetings.

Instructions for application:

Your application must include:

• 1) A short letter describing yourself and why you are suitable for this position.
• 2) CV (max. 2 pages)
• 3) List of relevant publications
• 4) A copy of your doctoral degree
• 5) Names and contact details (address, e-mail address and telephone number) of at least two reference persons

The application will preferably be written in English. During the application period, we will continuously read application documents and call for interviews.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date  as agreed upon. Placement:Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:   Professor Maria Tenje ([email protected]), Professor Dan I Andersson ([email protected]) or Dr Susan Peacock ([email protected])

Information about the Division for Biomedical Engineering is available at https://www.materialvetenskap.uu.se/medicinsk-teknik/

Information about the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology is available at https://www.imbim.uu.se/

Please submit your application no later than 12 January 2024, UFV-PA 2023/4471

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Materials Science and Engineering

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-rådet [email protected]

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2023/4471

Last application date: 2024-01-12

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