Post-doc/Project manager Tissue Engineering/Neurodegenerative diseases

Information about the research
Form your niche and advance the research fields of Tissue Engineering/Neurodegenerative diseases by introducing novel microscopy techniques, developed by physicists and chemists in the Group of Molecular Microscopy:

1. Emerging microscopy techniques based on multi-photon excitation schemes for label-free three-dimensional imaging of macromolecules

2. Non-linear near-field microscopy for imaging at nanometer-scale

3. Microspectroscopy: Raman, CARS and Tip-Enhanced Raman Scattering Microscopy

4. Biological studies using non-linear microscopy (CARS, SHG, THG...): 

A) Investigations of the molecular mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's), protein folding and interaction with lipid bilayers, models of three-dimensional neural networks
B) Studies of tissue-mimicking biopolymer matrices, stem cell differentiation and their formation into three-dimensional artificial tissues, 3D tissue models for drug screening
C) Lipid storage and metabolism in living cells and organisms

5. Fundamental investigations and applications of multi-photon excited plasmons in metallic nano-structures

Major responsibilities
Merit yourself as Program Manager, corresponding to a 30% position during four years, of a EU FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network, FINON - Female Investigators in Nonlinear Optical Nanoscopy, consisting of 6 PIs from Chalmers University of Technology (coordinator), AstraZeneca, Cardiff University, Institut Fresnel, Max Planck Institute Mainz, and EPFL, 8 associated partners from the academia (bio/material sciences) and industry (photonics, microscopy), and 12 PhD students. Your tasks will be to take the responsibility for the reporting to EU, the communication between PIs, Associated Partners and PhD students, outreach activities, make sure that the outlined program is followed, that training and scientific milestones and deliverables are fulfilled, act as internal and external contact person, and manage the content on the FINON web site etc. 

70% post-doc position in the utilization of Nonlinear microscopy for the monitoring of either A) stem cell differentiation in 3D tissue-mimicking environments for the development of drug screening assays in collaboration with the Heilshorn biomaterials group, Stanford University, USA and AstraZeneca, Mölndal or B) the phenomenon of protein misfolding and the impact of lipid bilayer composition in (i) a 3D cell-mimicking environment, (ii) living neurons/astrocytes and (iii) in Alzheimer’s plaques to form an understanding for the molecular mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases. Task and methods will include: design of experiments, set up lab for recombinant protein engineering and stem cell growth or amyloid/lipid bilayer models and growth of neurons/astrocytes, sample preparation & cell growth, learn nonlinear microscopy, biochemical analyses, image analysis, scientific publications and oral presentations, supervise one of the FINON PhD students. After 2 years at the latest, the candidate is expected to apply for and attract research funds to the project and fund part of the remaining 2 years' salary.
 
Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of four years.

Qualifications
MSc in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biomaterial sciences, Cell/Molecular biology and/or Biophysics.

PhD in tissue engineering/regenerative medicine/3D growth of cells in tissue-mimicking environments/stem cell biology or in the mechanisms behind neurodegenerative diseases/protein misfolding/neurosciences; the degree should generally not be older than three years. You are expected to demonstrate good potential within research by for instance a strong publication list, have international experience, and/or attracting research grants. Previous research at post-doc level in an international reserach group is meriting.

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

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.

For further information on the position & how to apply, see http://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=1561





Chalmers continuously strive to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.