PostDoc Fellowship: Immunomodulating Polymeric Nanoparticles

Atherosclerosis, fatty liver, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis are all examples of diseases that are aggravated by an overactive immune system. This postdoc position will give you a chance to take part in a project with the goal to help the millions of people suffering from these diseases by developing smarter treatment options. Our research explores the interactions between polymeric biofunctional nanoparticles and the immune system, both regarding material properties and the potential nanoparticle load.

Information about the project
In the Biofunctinal Nanomedicine Lab at the Department of Biology and Biological Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, we study and develop immunomodulating materials for inflammatory diseases. By delicately fine-tuning the materials' properties towards their intended purposes, tissue environments, and physical properties, we regulate immune responses to achieve improved health outcomes.

The goal of the current project is to modify polymers with phenylboronic acids to achieve specific anti-inflammatory materials. First, we want to develop drug-delivery vehicles that release conventional drugs with increased specificity toward the inflammatory environment. Second, we want to design and develop materials that inhibit the inflammatory cascade.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. You will focus your work on polymer and nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, as well as method development and data analysis. The project will be performed in close collaboration with molecular biologists and clinicians.

The position may also include teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
To qualify for the position as Postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree in Chemical Synthesis Polymer chemistry, Organic synthesis, or similar. A background in pharmaceutical sciences or small molecule synthesis is also meritorious, including conventional chemical and nanoparticle characterization techniques (NMR, GPC/SEC, DLS, SEM and TEM). Knowledge of/experience with fluorescence characterization techniques is beneficial but not mandatory.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, you are expected to have good collaboration skills and be able to communicate in English, both orally and in writing. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210515 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV:(Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 17 December, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Alexandra Stubelius, Assistant Professor, Chemical Biology
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +46 31 772 81 77

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!    

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