Postdoc in Biophysical chemistry

Information about the project and the division
The rapid development of RNA and other nucleic acid-based drug modalities is about to entirely change the drug discovery arena. But with these promising high molecular weight drug candidates we are also facing new and challenging problems; discovery and development of functional delivery solutions for nucleic acid-based drugs is of importance for clinical success. To meet this challenge, the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) has decided to invest in eight years of interdisciplinary and intersectorial research. This has resulted in the FoRmulaEx consortium - an industrial research centre (IRC) for functional nucleic acid delivery, which is headed by Chalmers University of Technology and with AstraZeneca as the lead industrial partner. The overall goal of FoRmulaEx is to create fundamental knowledge and novel technologies that will allow successful translation of RNA modalities into the clinic. This is a unique opportunity to work in a scientific and engineering area of great importance in a novel setting with industry and excellent academic groups from various disciplines working hand in hand.

The PostDoc will be a member of the Wilhelmsson research group, which is part of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The division is pursuing research in biophysical chemistry, optical spectroscopy, organic/medicinal chemistry, nanotechnology, analytical chemistry and energy/electron transfer reactions. The projects at the division are chosen to fulfil the requirements of the highest scientific standard, and the know-how they create 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.

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

Major responsibilities
The specific goals of the Wilhelmsson research group are to develop novel label/probe molecules for DNA/RNA systems, new improved fluorescence techniques for biochemical and biological investigations and use these labels/probes and techniques to study the delivery process of next generation drugs as well as DNA/RNA-protein interactions both structurally and dynamically.

The Wilhelmsson research group, as part of FoRmulaEx, now invites applications for a PostDoc position in the field of biophysical chemistry with an emphasis on advanced UV/Vis spectroscopy and its interface with fluorescence microscopy. The PostDoc will be working in a subproject of the FoRmulaEx consortium dealing with  the development of 1) nucleic acid fluorescence labels/probes and 2) novel methodologies based on these labels/probes. The main research objectives for the PostDoc will be to characterize novel biomimetic fluorophores for nucleic acids as well as utilize them in studying mechanisms of drug delivery of RNA-based therapeutics. The daily work will be performed at Chalmers University of Technology and there will be close interactions with team members at AstraZeneca R&D Gothenburg which is 10 minutes away from the Chalmers' campus area.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. This is a 2-year position with a possible extension, but where the contract has to be renewed yearly.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree in biophysical chemistry or biochemistry or an equivalent education. You have to be well-versed in advanced applications of UV/Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence such as TCSPC.

You are expected to be able to work independently but also in collaboration with the group members and as a part of the FoRmulaEx team. You have the ability to plan and organize your own work, take own initiatives and responsibility, to be analytical and creative and to be able to deliver results in time for the rest of the FoRmulaEx team. You also need to be able to report to the multidisciplinary FoRmulaEx team and, hence, need good communication skills and an interest for multidisciplinary research.

Moreover, it is very important that you can communicate efficiently in written and spoken English.

Meritorious qualifications:
- Previous PostDoc experience.
- Experience in fluorescence microscopy; experience in nucleic acids specifically in RNA; knowledge in nucleic acid-based drug delivery; knowledge in handling in vitro enzymatic reactions important in nucleic acids research; knowledge in working with living cells.

Application procedure
Learn mote and apply here:  https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9397

Application deadline: 31 May, 2021