PhD student position in Nonlinear microscopy of 3D tissue models

Information about the research
A PhD-position is offered on CARS, SHG and Raman microscopy of human stem cell differentiation in recombinant-engineered protein scaffolds for the development of tissue-like drug screening assays intended to partly replace animal and clinical studies of metabolic diseases. You will be working with cutting-edge optical imaging techniques that provide label-free, chemically specific image contrast based on intrinsic molecular vibrations, allowing for real-time imaging of living stem cells in a3D  tissue-like context. By optimizing the amino acid sequences of the scaffold polypeptides controlling cell adhesion and architectural/material properties, native cell functionality and hence responses to drug molecules should be verified by comparison with tissue. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the Heilshorn Biomaterials Group at Stanford University, USA and AstraZeneca, Mölndal. The candidate will be trained in an EU-supported Marie Curie Initial Training Network, FINON, with 11 other PhD students in Sweden, France, UK, Switzerland, and Germany. All students will work on different approaches and applications of Nonlinear Nanoscopy, and meet up twice a year to exchange experience and results. It forms an exceptionally attractive training environment for ambitious researchers, with joint workshops and courses, secondments in the photonics/pharmacology industry, international collaboration with academic and industrial partners, a mentorship program and support in career development.  

Major responsibilities
Summary of tasks and methodology:



• Nonlinear (CARS & SHG) and Raman microscopy of cell differentiation and metabloic markers using a perfused incubation chamber for long-term studies of human stem cells and tissues

• Protein engineering and preparations of protein scaffolds for long-term growth of human adiposite-derived stem cells with native functionality, and possibly induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

• Stem cell (mesenchymal and iPSCs) differentiation to white/brown adipocytes and pancreatic islet-like cells; analysis of differentiation and metabolic markers comparison with human tissues

• Long-term nonlinear microscopy of living cells in 3D protein-engineered scaffolds and tissue samples

• Image analysis

Your major responsibility as PhD student is to pursue your doctoral studies, including the FINON training program. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing (English). The position also includes outreach activities to the general audience at e.g. Science Festivals.

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

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biomaterial sciences, Physics, Photonics and/or Biophysics not later than 2 years ago. Requirement on international mobility: Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.

Fluent/excellent ability in written and spoken English is a strict requirement.

Experience of nonlinear microscopy and/or protein-engineered scaffolds for cell growth is meriting

Personal qualities
We aim to conduct front-line research at highest international level and want a candidate who shares our high ambitions. Important qualities of the candidate are enthusiasm, a positive attitude in general, be able to drive and conclude projects, formulate results in well-disposed and well-written reports, take own initiatives and develop/discuss own ideas, listen to and be responsive to other opinions, be a mature and responsible person, tolerate occasional periods of high work load and stress, be result-oriented and persistent, be creative and have good analytical skill, be able to say "I don't know" and take it as a challenge to seek for new knowledge. The candidate should contribute to the friendly and open environment in the group and the FINON Network, were we offer mutual help and support without any prestige.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20130246 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.

Application deadline: November 30, 2013

For questions, please contact:
Assoc. Prof. Annika Enejder, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, enejder@chalmers.se





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