Postdoctoral research fellow in Synthesis of Conductive Polymers and their Implantation (PA2026/2580)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Chemical Biology & Therapies is a multidisciplinary research laboratory spanning the Faculties of Medicine and Science. Our research brings together expertise in materials and medicinal chemistry, in vitro and in vivo biology, and applied physics to develop and investigate new therapeutic strategies based on transient conductive polymers. By working at the interface of chemistry, biology, medicine, and bioelectronics, we aim to translate fundamental scientific discoveries into innovative approaches for therapeutic intervention.

Our research environment is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, with team members contributing complementary expertise and perspectives. We value scientific curiosity, creativity, openness, and the willingness to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries.

As a workplace, we are committed to maintaining a positive, inclusive, and supportive working environment. Respect, consideration, and professionalism are fundamental to how we interact with one another. We encourage open communication, constructive scientific discussion, mutual support, and shared responsibility for creating an environment in which all group members can develop, contribute, and perform at their best.

Lund University is a state authority, which means you get special benefits, generous holidays and a favorable occupational pension. We also have a flexible time agreement that creates good conditions for a balance between work and leisure.

Read more on the university's website about being employed at Lund University, Work with us

The primary duties of the position include the synthesis of self-assembling conductive polymers and molecules for applications in molecular electronics. 

This project focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of functionalized EDOT-based monomers and conductive polymers for biomedical applications. The work builds on our development of the self-doped PEDOT-S derivative A5, in which changes in synthetic methodology and polymer composition strongly influence solubility, self-aggregation, and electrical conductivity, thereby enabling the formation of injectable conductive structures in physiological environments. 

The project will explore new EDOT oligomers and functionalized derivatives, including modification of ionic side chains and development of photoactive EDOT trimers. Synthetic work will be combined with purification and chemical characterization to establish structure–property relationships governing aqueous solubility, polymerization, aggregation, and conductivity. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing monomers that can undergo controlled polymerization under biologically compatible conditions, including visible-light photopolymerization. The previous work demonstrates that functionalized EDOT trimers can be polymerized using green or red light and photocatalysts, providing chemical control over the formation of conductive polymers. 

In addition, the project will involve in vivo implantation of the polymeric constructs and their evaluation for localized gene electrotherapy.

• A PhD in organic chemistry. The doctoral degree must have been awarded no later than the date on which the appointment decision is made.
• Extensive hands-on experience in the synthesis, purification, and characterization of small organic molecules.
• Practical experience in heterocyclic chemistry and carbon–carbon cross-coupling reactions, including the synthesis of functional building blocks for conductive and bioelectronic materials.
• Practical experience in the preparation and in vivo implantation of conductive polymer constructs.
• Experience in gene delivery by electroporation/electrotransfer, including evaluation of gene-transfer efficiency using flow cytometry.

• Applicants who obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline.
• Experience spanning both synthetic organic chemistry and in vivo experimental work, particularly involving conductive polymers, bioelectronics, or localized gene delivery.

The assessment of applicants will primarily be based on their scientific merits and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on scientific ability within the subject area.

The position is a fixed-term, 100% role of two or three years, with a start date on 1st of February 2027 or as agreed. Employment at Lund University is based in Sweden; you are therefore expected to be able to perform your work on-site in Lund.

The position is limited to a minimum of two and a maximum of three years, in accordance with the collective agreement on fixed-term employment for postdoctoral researchers (Arbetsgivarverket). A position as a postdoctoral researcher is intended as an initial step in your career and as an opportunity to further deepen and broaden your research expertise.

You apply for the position via the university's recruitment system. The application should include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the position matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate, CV or equivalent, and anything else you wish to refer to (copies of grades, details of references, letters of recommendation, etc.)