PhD student position in Supramolecular Chemistry

Working at the interface between supramolecular chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomaterials, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in an environment enriched by collaboration between chemists, physicists, biologists, materials scientists, and engineers. Within the Grommet research group, we are also committed to maintaining a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. You will be trained not only in conducting excellent scientific research, but also in soft skills such as writing and giving presentations, with the aim of preparing you for a variety of desirable and fulfilling careers.

Information about the project and the research
Within the Grommet research group, we are interested in addressing challenges associated with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), an established non-viral drug delivery platform used in the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines against COVID-19. This position will be funded by Excellence Initiative Nano, an interdepartmental organization at Chalmers University of Technology which serves to promote interdisciplinary research in nanoscience and technology.

The Grommet Group now invites applications for one PhD student position in the field of supramolecular chemistry with an emphasis on its interface with biomaterials. Key research objectives include synthesizing and characterizing novel supramolecular stabilizers, fabricating new LNPs containing these stabilizers, and investigating their activity in vitro. Research into the mechanism of endosomal trafficking and cargo release will be performed in collaboration with other groups within Excellence Initiative Nano, while research into the immunogenicity of these particles will be performed in collaboration with the University of Gothenburg.

Information about the department and the division
Research activities at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering include fundamental chemistry, chemistry at the interface of biology and medicine, materials science, renewable energy, chemical engineering processing, material recycling, theory and modelling, and nuclear chemistry. The department is also committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate level.

Academic freedom, interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship and societal impact are key factors in the department's work. We strive to offer an environment where you can combine world-leading research and teaching with a good work-life balance.

The Grommet research group is part of the Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry. This division is pursuing research in biophysical chemistry, optical spectroscopy, (in)organic/medicinal chemistry, nanotechnology, analytical chemistry and energy/electron transfer reactions. Projects within the division are chosen to fulfill the requirements of the highest scientific standard, and the knowledge generated on a molecular level is generally of importance for solving many advanced problems as well as for future practical applications. The span of potential applications is extremely wide: from life sciences to materials sciences.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities are to pursue your doctoral studies. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours. The candidate is expected to work independently, in collaboration with members of the group, and within the group's wider collaborative network.

Qualifications
The applicant for this PhD student position should have a MSc degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in supramolecular chemistry, nanotechnology, materials engineering, or an equivalent qualification. The applicant should also have experience in organic synthesis, particularly air-sensitive reactions on the Schlenk line and/or in a glove-box. Previous experience in catalysis, in cell culture, and in fabricating biomaterials, particularly using microfluidics to fabricate lipid nanoparticles, is desirable. Previous experience in characterization techniques such as NMR, UV-Vis, DLS, and HPLC is also desirable. The applicant should express a willingness to learn additional techniques such as SAXS, SANS, single-crystal X-Ray diffraction, and/or cryo-EM.

You should also be detail-oriented, organized, and keep fastidious experimental records. The successful candidate has the ability to plan their own work, take initiative and responsibility, think analytically and creatively, deliver results in time, but also seek help when needed. As the candidate will need to interact with an interdisciplinary team, they will also need excellent communication skills and an interest for interdisciplinary research. Moreover, it is important that you are able to communicate efficiently in written and spoken English.

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
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/sv/om-chalmers/Arbeta-pa-Chalmers/lediga-tjanster/Sidor/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10790&rmlang=SE

Application deadline: 17 September, 2022