Postdoctoral scholarship-Carbohydrate sensing and detection of glycans

2 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Chalmers University of Technology

Department

Biology and Biological Engineering

Research Field

Chemistry » Organic chemistry
Technology » Nanotechnology

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Sweden

Application Deadline

30 Apr 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Stockholm)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 Mar 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

001/CHCT/2024

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Join the forefront of carbohydrate sensing research and revolutionize the detection of glycans

Are you an ambitious and innovative postdoctoral researcher with a passion for carbohydrate chemistry and a knack for developing cutting-edge sensors? If so, we invite you to embark on an exciting journey with us as we explore the frontiers of carbohydrate sensing technology. In the division of Chemical Biology (ChemBio), we combine and develop protein engineering, synthetic chemistry, nucleic acid technology, and state-of-the-art biophysical methods (spectroscopy, live cell imaging and nanotechnology) to address cutting-edge questions in biology and meet medical challenges. Our joint expertise is strategic and spans from molecular biophysics of single molecules to cell and organism biology.

Embark on a groundbreaking research project

In this postdoctoral fellowship, you will be part of a dynamic team of researchers dedicated to understanding biological carbohydrate structures, particularly sialic acids (Sias). Sias play a crucial role in numerous biological processes, including host-pathogen interactions, cell-cell communication, and disease diagnostics. However, current detection methods are often limited in sensitivity and selectivity, hindering our understanding of Sias in various biological contexts.

Your mission: Design and develop next-generation carbohydrate sensors

Your primary responsibilities will involve designing and optimizing a Sia-binding nanoparticle (NP) sensor with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Additionally, you will work on developing novel synthetic saccharide sensors based on fluorescence. These advancements will pave the way for the development of highly sensitive and selective sensors for carbohydrate structures, opening up a plethora of applications in areas such as food safety, environmental monitoring, immune recognition, and host-pathogen interactions.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry » Other

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• The applicant must have or be about to receive a PhD degree in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or a related field (e.g. chemistry, polymer chemistry or materials science) and needs to be passionate about research. The degree cannot be older than six years at start of position.
• The applicant must not have been previously employed by Chalmers University of Technology.

Specific Requirements

Essential skills and qualifications:

• Strong background in carbohydrate chemistry, nanotechnology, and sensor development
• General material characterization methods (AFM, SEM, etc.), and binding interactions such as ITC or SPR. 
• Experience with molecular modeling, materials synthesis, and fluorescence spectroscopy
• Excellent research skills, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail
• Passion for carbohydrate science and a drive to make a meaningful impact

Application Procedure

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications to Prof. Alexandra Stubelius via email at [email protected] .
The application must include the following in a single PDF labeled with last name and the reference number 001/CHCT/2024

• A comprehensive CV with a full publication list and a copy of the Ph.D. diploma.
• A statement outlining scientific interests and motivation for applying to this position.
• A detailed description of research experience and other relevant activities.
• Contact information (email and phone number) for at least three references.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Chemistry » OtherTechnology » Nanotechnology

Additional Information
Benefits

Appointment and Conditions:

• The scholarship amounts to SEK 28000/month (tax-free, ~€2500/month), paid quarterly. Economy class travel to/from Sweden for the scholarship holder will be covered. Funding can be available to participate in conferences. 
• Appointment is initially for one year with possibility of extension for a second year upon mutual agreement.
• Starting date spring 2024, or by agreement

We are seeking highly motivated and talented scientists to join our team as postdoctoral fellows. This is not an employment position, but a scholarship for postdoctoral training. This means that you will have an educational plan to follow and a supervisor to guide you.

Selection process

The applications will be reviewed continuously and once a suitable candidate has been identified the position may be closed earlier than last of April 2024. We therefore encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.

Additional comments

Important information about your benefits and limitations during your scholarship period

• Chalmers has an insurance policy, Business Visitor, for people staying in Sweden up to two years and who do not have access to the Swedish national health service. The insurance covers healthcare costs in the event of acute illness and accidents as well as temporary treatment in the event of acute dental problems for people up to the age of 67 for 365 days. Preventive healthcare is not included in the insurance cover.
• During the scholarship period, you will not be able to receive any other remuneration from the university, except for the scholarship itself. However, you may be eligible for funding for travel to and participating in conferences.
• The scholarship will continue to be paid even if you are absent for a short period of time due to illness. However, this will be reviewed if the goals of your educational plan cannot be met due to long-term absence.
• As you are not an employee, you will not be entitled to sick or parental leave, or other benefits, from Chalmers University of Technology or the Social Security Agency (Försäkringskassan).
• The university does not make contributions to pension funds, so you are encouraged to make your own contributions.

More general information about moving to and living in Sweden can be found at webpages of the university here . Please note these pages are both for scholarship holders and for employees.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Chalmers University of Technology

Country

Sweden

City

Göteborg

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Göteborg

Website

https://www.chalmers.se/en/Pages/default.aspx

Street

Kemigården 4

Postal Code

41296

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED