Postdoctoral Researcher in “Nanoparticle-enabled Bone Tissue Engineering”

The Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology at Karolinska Institutet (KI) announces an opportunity to join the Bionanomaterial Technology Laboratory and research group of Principal Investigator Dr. Georgios A. Sotiriou as a postdoctoral researcher in nanoparticle-enabled bone tissue engineering. The Bionanomaterial Technology Laboratory is an ERC-funded lab and has world-leading expertise in the synthesis of functional nanoscale materials and devices for biomedicine using flame aerosol technology. The focus of the research program lies on studying the physicochemical properties of materials made by aerosol processes and then applying this fundamental understanding to tailor sophisticated functional particles and particle-enabled devices for biomedical applications. Our lab is in a vibrant research environment located in the state-of-the-art research building Biomedical at the KI Solna Campus.

The postdoctoral researcher will work on developing nanostructure surfaces (e.g. for implant coatings) and scaffolds (e.g. micro- and/or nano-fibres) for bone tissue engineering. The aim of this project is to exploit the versatile nanobiomaterial calcium phosphate and its derivatives for bone tissue engineering utilizing stem cells. Here, we will capitalize on our expertise and produce an arsenal of different nanostructured calcium phosphate bionanomaterials with high control over the particle size, composition and crystallinity. We will study both their deposition on surfaces as well as their integration in fibrous electrospun scaffolds and study their interaction with stem cells. The postdoctoral researcher will work in a team and carry out experimental work, as well as participate in the lab research environment including courses, seminars, and scientific presentations at meetings. Other responsibilities include development of methodology and work routines, literature review, statistical analysis, adhering to the lab manual policies and drafting scientific reports and manuscripts. On this specific project, the postdoctoral researcher may be also involved in translational activities for market research and validation of the proposed approach.

Qualified to be employed as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. It is considered as an advantage if you have completed your doctoral degree within the last three years, if there are special reasons, your degree may have been completed earlier. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant's main supervisor, director or equivalent.

The candidate should have a PhD degree in Biomaterial Science and/or Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and/or Process Engineering, Material Engineering, or similar field. Experience in synthesis of nanoparticles (ideally by aerosol processes, but this is not a requirement) and their characterization, analytical techniques for compound quantification, as well as with in vitro cell cultures with emphasis on tissue engineering and related assays is preferred and experience with supervising project students is considered favourable. These qualifications should be shown through published, peer-reviewed publications. Excellent spoken and written English is also a requirement, as well as to be able to work both independently and as part of a team.

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct successful medical research and hold the largest range of medical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Karolinska Institutet is also a state university, which entitles you to several benefits through our collective agreement.

Location: Solna

An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work A complete list of publications A summary of current work (no more than one page)

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.