Research assistant in Macromolecular Chemistry

Published: 2022-05-18

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 250 employees and has a turnover just over 250 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website .

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Subject description
Macromolecular Chemistry deals with the synthesis and characterization of macromolecules/polymers and has developed leading competence in polymers and biomaterials especially for life science and in vivo use. For the research project in question, the research assistant will be involved in the design and development of injectable hydrogels that can be used for delivery of cells or therapeutic factors in the eye, and tough hydrogels as potential corneal stromal substitutes. Macromolecular Chemistry has developed several biomaterials earlier for the delivery of cells or therapeutic factors. The aim of this project is to design, synthesize, and evaluate such biomaterials which can be used as injectable hydrogels to deliver cells or therapeutic factors, and tough hydrogels that can be used as an alternative to donor cornea.

Work duties

• Chemical modification of ECM-derived polymers.
• Bio-orthogonal crosslinking for preparation of injectable hydrogel for the delivery of cells or therapeutic factors to the eye and tough hydrogel for use as synthetic cornea.
• Chemical and mechanical characterization of hydrogels.

 Requirements
Applicants must have:

• An education within the field of biomaterials, nanotechnology, or chemical engineering. If the final degree is not awarded yet, all major courses and degree project should be completed.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Hands-on experience and good knowledge on chemical modification of gelatin and collagen, and their characterization, hydrogel preparation using bio-orthogonal crosslinking reaction, chemical characterization of hydrogels, characterization of hydrogel physical properties, and mechanical characterization of hydrogels by rheology and tensile tests.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Additional requirements
Good knowledge in rheology (linear and non-linear measuremnts, wall-slip detection and calculation of slip-velocity and slip-length using known models, and knowledge on calculation of stress relaxation modulus and creep compliance from dynamic oscillatory measurements)is benefecial.

Salary: Individual pay.

Starting date: 2022-06-01 or as soon as possible.

Type of employment: Temporary position ending 2022-08-31.

Working hours: 100 %.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Ayan Samanta, telephone: +46 76 328 42 43, email: ayan.samanta@kemi.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 31 May 2022, UFV-PA 2022/1971.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus . You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position 3-6 months

Pay: Individual salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se
ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se
Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2022/1971

Last application date: 2022-05-31