PhD in Formulating delivery vehicles for cartilage recovery

We are offering a truly interdisciplinary early-stage research experience where you will work at the interface of cell biology and material development. You will actively interact with diverse scientific communities at organisations such as hospitals, Cline Scientific, and academia. Giving access to realistic implementation of scientific work and a large network.

Project description
The PhD student will be employed by Cline Scientific, while part of the PhD will be taken within the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers.

Cline Scientific develops advanced cancer diagnostics and regenerative medicine treatments. Cline’s unique patented surface nanotechnology provides solutions to critical challenges for cell-based products and process in Life Science. Cline is driving two projects through to a clinical stage, StemCART - a stem cell therapy for joint repair, and CellRACE- a cancer diagnostic to predict metastasis. The PhD student will be involved in the the StemCART-project.

Information about the division and the department
The Department och Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers has a long tradition of encouraging world leading research in an environment where people develop and create new knowledge. We take on major challenges ranging from basic research to industrial applications. Our research projects are often cross-border and are carried out in close cooperation with industry, institutes and other higher education institutions.

This is well reflected in the current PhD position, which is collaborative in nature and focus on material development for cartilage regeneration. The PhD student will become expert in cell - material interaction of relevance for cartilage regeneration. Common techniques used will be qPCR, histology, microscopy, rheology and mechanical testing. Subjects the PhD student will cover are cell biology, cell viability, cell material interaction, surface technology, polymer dispersions and polymer gels.

The relevant PhD student have a genuine interest in interdisciplinary research bridging between tissue regeneration to physico-chemical properties of polymers and their gels.

Major responsibilities
The successful candidates will be expected to:

•Perform all laboratory work and cell growth and development needed according to the companies protocols.

•Develop new materials from protein and polysaccharides.

•Perform experimental work at Cline Scientific, Chalmers, and possibly other collaborators locations.

•Characterise the materials developed using cell-material interaction, rheology, and mechanical testing.

•Assure communication with other PhD students and stakeholders within the project.

•Publish the findings in scientific journals and communicate them to the scientific (and industrial) community.

•Teach on undergraduate level.

Qualifications
Master of Science degree in chemistry, cell-biology, materials science, pharmacy or similar.

The position is suitable for chemists, biologists, pharmacists and material scientists. However, a basic level of knowledge of working in a cell-biology and chemistry lab is required from all applicants.

Mandatory experiences and skills include experimental laboratory work and scientific writing skills.
Experience of polymer, polysaccharides, cells growth, cell biology is a plus. The candidate must also be proficient in spoken and written English.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate that has interest in experimental work in the laboratory. He/she should have a creative mindset, and the ability to comply to an experimental plan, execute it, report and reflect the progress in relation to the overall project. The project targets cell and material applications, and will rely on sound fundamental science to do so.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

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 reference number 20230697 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• 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 experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Application deadline: 2023-12-18



For questions, please contact:
Prof. Anna Ström, Applied chemistry,
anna.strom@chalmers.se

Dr. Hanne Evenbratt, Cline Scientific,
hanne.evenbratt@clinescientific.com





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!