Postdoc in live cell imaging of mRNA delivery

We are looking for 1-2 postdocs to join our team in the field of mRNA drug delivery. You will be working in a stimulating research environment in the Chemical Biology division, performing research independently as well as part of a collaborative research centre involving academia and Swedish industry. Your research will apply and develop live cell microscopies to understand mRNA uptake and aims to improve the performance of clinically relevant delivery vehicles.

Information about the division and the department
The division of Chemical Biology at Chalmers conducts research in bioscience to address fundamental aspects of biology at the molecular level and develop knowledge and strategies needed to meet medical challenges. You will work in the Esbjörner lab which focuses on drug delivery, vesicular trafficking in cells, and protein aggregation in disease. You will also be an active part of the FoRmulaEx research center - a needs-driven and interdisciplinary Swedish initiative to improve the delivery efficacy of RNA-based therapeutics through collaboration between academia and industry. We address the mRNA delivery challenge, focusing on lipid nanoparticle (LNP technology) inspired by the function of exosomes.

Major responsibilities
As a postdoc you will conduct own research, independently as well as in collaboration with others. Your research will focus on live cell imaging of LNP and mRNA uptake. You will explore vesicular trafficking mechanisms and endosomal escape events by fluorescence-based methods and image analysis. You will also contribute to the development of new methods, especially to probe LNP interactions with endosomes and endosome mimics. Your project will require LNP production, characterization and functionalization. As a postdoc, you will also have the opportunity to supervise students, get experience from project management, and engage in own professional and academic development.

Qualifications
To qualify for this position you must hold a PhD degree, awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline, in the field of Bioscience or, alternatively in Nanoscience with clear bioscience research focus. You have expertise in biochemistry, biophysics and/or cell biology and are interested in interdisciplinary research and drug delivery. You should have basic hands-on experience of mammalian/human cell culture and fluorescence microscopy. You must have experience or willingness to learn quantitative image analysis. You are a self-motivated and curious person with a postive mind-set. You enjoy to work independently and in collaborative teams and can both lead and follow. Your verbal and written communication skills in English are very good. You have experience of academic publication and presentation, and have published at least one paper as first author.

Experience in one or several of the areas of nanoparticle characterisation, protein science, endocytosis/endosome biology, cloning and transfection, reporter cell line generation, or flow cytometry is meritorious but not a must.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two 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
The application should be marked with Ref 20220692 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• List of technical skills with your own evaluation of user proficiency
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research experience and future goals in relation to the announced position
• Motivate your interest for the announced position

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

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 2023-01-15

For questions, please contact:
Docent Elin Esbjörner, kemisk biologi
Email: 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!