Ref LiU-2023-02277
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This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated post doc to work on novel iontronic drug delivery systems to develop the next generation of cancer therapies. The position is within the Laboratory of Organic Electronics on the Department of Science and Technology at Linköping University and is part of a European Project (bioSWITCH).
Work assignments
Delivering the right dose at the right place at the right time will unlock the 5th dimension in medicine and thus the research is at the interface of bioelectronic devices, bioorthogonal click-chemistry, and biological models to develop the next generation of cancer therapies (Read more).
This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of chemistry, biology and electronics in a supportive research environment.
You will develop and synthesize a range of ion selective membrane materials and test their suitability as active channel material in electrophoretic devices. This task requires great attention to details and as various parameters such as molecular weight, cross-linking density, pore-size, and fixed charge concentration will be tuned towards optimizing iontronic transport performance while ensuring compatibility with patterning techniques such as photolithography, inkjet- and aerosol jet printing. Multiple printing and fabrication parameters (e.g., cross-linking agents, exposure dose, surface treatment, additives for rheology optimization) will be investigated – geometrically as well as in terms of ion transport properties – to optimize membrane performance. Various target species will be tested regarding their electrophoretic transport efficiency using fluorescence probes and mass spectrometry.
Expertise in bioorthogonal chemistry and related bioorthogonal tools is desired. These new materials and tools are then used in device fabrication, implant device design and cell studies. You will correlate the obtained results with simulation work (COMSOL) of other team members and develop a better understanding of this multi-parameter space. The overall goal is to develop novel tools for iontronically induced pro-drug activation and investigate the efficacy in cell studies to realize drug delivery with electronic precision.
Additionally, you will be tasked with producing comprehensive, high-standard reports and contributing to manuscript preparation efforts as part of a team. You will coordinate these activities with a highly motivated team and high-profile international partners.
Qualifications
We are seeking a highly skilled and enthusiastic postdoctoral chemist with experience in the synthesis of ion selective membrane materials, ion conductive polymers, electrochemistry, and various chemical characterization techniques such as NMR, IR, gel electrophoresis, fluorescence probes, iontronic transport studies and cell experiments to join our team in the development of next- generation implantable drug delivery systems for cancer therapies.
The ideal candidate will have a background in fabrication processes, including photolithography, microfluidics, injection molding, 3D printing, inkjet, and/or aerosol jet printing. Programming experience (Python, Labview etc) and electrical engineering is a plus. The successful candidate will have excellent problem-solving skills, be able to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team, and possess strong communication abilities. Candidates with experience in industrial, entrepreneurial and/or patent procedures are highly desired.
The ideal candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for public speaking and outreach activities.
To be qualified for a postdoc you must have been awarded a doctoral degree in the field of chemistry, polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, material science or chemical biology or have a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This degree must have been awarded at the latest by the point at which LiU makes its decision to employ you.
Following are required
- A PhD in chemistry, polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, material science or chemical biology
- Track record in drug delivery systems and biomedical applications
- Fabrication of microstructures with silicon and polymers with typical cleanroom facilities (photolithography, etching, deposition etc)
- Excellent and applied understanding of reaction kinetics; preferably in the field of bioorthogonal chemistry
- Cell viability work and/or animal testing; preferably using prodrug strategies
- Electrochemical device fabrication and characterization using fluorescent measurements and probes in well-plate reader settings
- Experience in hydrogel
- The job demands proficiency in both oral and written English
We are seeking a team player with exceptional motivation, solution-oriented thinking, and strong problem-solving skills. If you meet these qualifications and are eager to contribute to innovative and impactful research, we encourage you to apply.
Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and suitability.
The workplace
This position will be at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE) where we explore electronic and optical properties of organic semiconductors, biomaterials from the forest and hybrid organic materials. LOE shares a common interest in exploiting the combination of electronic and ionic charge for use in energy, internet-of-things, health care and biology applications. Research topics include synthesis, material science, theory and modeling, device physics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and system design, and span the range from basic research to commercialization. LOE currently has >120 researchers and research students divided into eleven units sharing an open lab environment for fruitful collaboration and information sharing. You will be specifically part of LOE’s Organic Bioelectronics group where we investigate transduction between electronic signals and ionic/molecular signals in electroactive surfaces, “iontronic” chemical delivery and circuitry, biosensors, mimicking neural function, and many other areas.
The employment
This post is a temporary contract of two years with the possibility of extension up to a total maximum of three years. The position as a postdoc is full-time.
Starting date by agreement.
Salary and employment benefits
Salaries at the university are set individually. State your desired salary in the application.
More information about employee benefits is available here.
Union representatives
Information about trade union contacts can be found here.
Application procedure
Apply for this position by clicking on the button labelled “Apply” below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than 31st of August 2023.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
We would like you to clearly state your expertise and skills in relation to the job description and rank your abilities in order of proficiency.
We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives – diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody’s equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities. We look forward to receiving your application!
Linköping university has framework agreements and wishes to decline direct contacts from staffing- and recruitment companies as well as vendors of job advertisements.
Contact persons
Johannes Bintinger
Förste forskningsingenjör
Theresia Arbring Sjöström
Postdoktor
theresia.arbring.sjostrom@liu.se
Daniel Simon
Professor, enhetschef
+4611-363476
Emma Törnqvist
HR partner
011-363448
URL to this page
https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/vacancies/22137