PhD student position in in Precision Medicine for Osteoarthritis

Information about the project
Osteoarthritis (OA) remains a major challenge due to the lack of available therapies. In the Biofunctinal Nanomedicine Lab we study disease mechanisms and develop immunomodulating materials for inflammatory diseases. By defining pathological mechanism we can delicately fine-tune a materials' properties towards their intended purposes, tissue environments, and physical properties to regulate immune responses and achieve improved health outcomes. We now offer a PhD position in a project that aims to understand underlying disease mechanisms involving glycoprotein modifications to develop novel nanotherapeutic strategies for osteoarthritis (OA). 

In this interdisciplinary project we use multiple methods and models, spanning from binding studies and proteomics to cellular studies and animal models to elucidate underlying disease mechanisms active in OA. With this information we will find novel biomarkers and design targeting nanomaterials as novel therapeutic options for OA.

Key parts of the work will be:
- Cellular and immunological studies using immortalized cells, primary cells, and patient material
- Immunological method development
- Animal studies
- Treatment efficacy studies
- Data analysis

Information about the Chemical Biology division
How do biomolecules work in cellular environments? In the Chemical Biology division, we combine and develop protein engineering, synthetic chemistry, and state-of-the-art biophysical methods (spectroscopy, live cell imaging and nanotechnology) to address cutting-edge questions in biology to meet medical challenges related to human health. Our joint expertise is strategic and spans from molecular biophysics of single molecules to cell and organism biology. The division is placed in the Department of Biology and Biological Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The position may also include teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other academic duties to some extent.

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

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Nanomedicine, Molecular Biology, Biomedicine or equivalent (or be in the process of completing a Master’s degree) with focus on medicine and drug delivery. Experience with immunology is meritious. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work you need to have excellent collaboration skills. It is also important that you have a very good capability of communicating scientific results in English, both orally and in writing. If Swedish is not your native language, 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 20210531 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. 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.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9972&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: 17 December, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Alexandra Stubelius, Assistant Professor, Chemical Biology
Email: alexandra.stubelius@chalmers.se
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!