Postdoc in biological nanoparticle analysis

We offer a 12 month postdoctoral position in the research group of Assoc. Prof. Elin Esbjörner at the Chemical Biology division. The postdoc will apply state-of-the-art nanofluidic tools to characterise extracellular vesicles (EVs) with high precision on the single particle level contributing to a project aiming to i explore their physiological role(s) and potential use as future drug delivery carriers, especially targeting new therapeutic modalities such as oligonucleotides and RNA.


-Information about the division and the research
The postdoc will work in the Chemical Biology division at Chalmers, which comprises 5 independent research groups and approximately 35 co-workers, spanning research topics from DNA biophysics and protein biochemistry, to cell- and molecular biology of disease and drug delivery.
The research project, in the group of Elin Esbjörner, concerns characterisation of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are communication carriers and macromolecular transporter entities with important functions in our bodies. The Esbjörner group has recently developed new and powerful single particle methods to study EVs and other biological nanoparticles, in close collaboration with the Westerlund lab in Chemical Biology and groups in Biological Physics. We now aim to apply these methods to sensitively analyse cell-derived EVs, in order to explain their physical and molecular heterogeneity and to explore sub-populations. The aim is to better understand how the physicochemical and molecular characteristic of EV dictate their functions, focusing on uptake and processing by recipient cells. Moreover, we aim to explore how the properties of EVs can be harnessed for drug delivery, in RNA applications and towards personalised medicine applications.

-The details of the departmental research activities may be found at here.

Major responsibilities
The announced position is a 100% research post. The major responsibility of the postdoc is to setup and carry out own research projects in the Esbjörner research group, focusing on single EV analytics using nanofluidic devices and fluorescent microscopies. The postdoc will also harvest EVs from cultured human cells and explore EV-cell interactions using confocal microscopy and live cell imaging.
The postdoc will work in a highly collaborative environment, participating in as well as leading team projects involving other group members as well as Chalmers internal and external academic collaborators.

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

Qualifications
To qualify for the position you must have a PhD in biotechnology, biochemistry or related subject; the degree should generally not be older than three years. You must also have documented experience of working with biological nanoparticles (such as EVs, exosomes, viruses or similar), good knowledge of fluorescence microscopy, and basic experience of culturing human cells.

You must have experience from using Matlab, similar programming software or language, and documented skills in written and oral communication (exemplified by at least one first author publication and oral presentations at conferences). Good communication skills in English is a requirement.
Experience of immunohistochemistry, optical spectroscopy, and single molecule techniques is a merit.

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

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200202 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, including list of technical skills (with level of experience) and publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
Maximum 2 pages, describing:
Previous research experience and motivation why you are interested in the advertised post.

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 15 May 2020

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Elin Esbjörner, Chemical Biology, eline@chalmers.se, 031-7725120

*** 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!