Postdoctoral position in biological physics

Information about the project
The focus of this postdoc project is the development and implementation of a nanofluidic device for fluorescence-based analysis of small biological particles on a single particle level. Such particles could for example be exosomes, (small vesicles secreted from cells that can be isolated from body fluids such as blood and urine) or viruses (small pathogenic particles that hijack the cell to replicate and spread).

Detailed characterization of biological nanoparticles is challenging because of their small size and their intrinsically heterogeneous nature. Moreover, biological samples are typically relatively dilute and can often only be obtained in small volumes, thereby requiring methodologies that can be scaled down to the low microliter regime. The project will involve further development of a currently existing prototype but also its implementation in the analysis of extracellular vesicle samples. The overall scope is to establish the relation between the properties of the particles and their biofunctionality for a given biological problem.

This postdoc project will be carried out as a collaboration between Asst. Prof. Marta Bally (division of Biological Physics, dept. of Applied Physics), Assoc. Prof. Fredrik Westerlund and Asst. Prof. Elin Esbjörner (both at division of Chemical Biology, dept. of Biology and Biological Engineering). The Bally group focuses on the study of biological nanoparticles (viruses and exosomes), on their interaction with cellular membranes and on the relationship between their properties and their biological function. The group of F Westerlund works on developing new nanofluidic-based tools with applications ranging from single molecule biophysics to clinical diagnostics. The Esbjörner group focuses on cell uptake, trafficking and misfolding biophysics of neurodegenerative disease associated proteins and also has an interest in peptide-lipid interactions and development of drug delivery vectors We further collaborate with a number of medical researchers from the nearby Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

Major responsibilities
The Post Doc will work with the development of analytical procedures to quantify vesicles and characterize their physico-chemical properties using the nanofluidic device and two-channel fluorescence observation. Further developments of the nanofluidic device design is also envisioned.

Position summary

Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to one year.

Qualifications
The successful candidate should have a PhD in biosciences, biophysics, bioengineering, analytical chemistry, or related disciplines. Expertise in micro/nanofluidics, in working with lipid assemblies, in the design of bioanalytical assays or in single particle tracking/characterization using fluorescence microscopy would be a strong asset. Some basic knowledge in Matlab is also preferred. In addition to this, the PhD must have been obtained within 2 years (when the position is started) for the candidate to be eligible.

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

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20160406 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:


• Application: (Please name the document in the e-recruitment system as: APPLICATION, Surname, reference number)
- CV, include complete list of publications
- Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
- Two references that we can contact.
• Personal letter/Qualifications: (Please name the document as: QUALIFICATIONS, family name, ref. number) 
- 1-3 pages where you introduce yourself and present your qualifications.
- Previous research fields and main research results.
- Future goals and research focus. Are there any specific projects and research issues you are primarily interested in?
• Other:
- 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).

All applications should be submitted electronically. Applications sent via email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 15 November, 2016

For questions, please contact:
Assistant professor Marta Bally, Biological Physics, E-mail: bally@chalmers.se, Phone +46 31 772 32 66
Associate professor Fredrik Westerlund, Chemical Biology, E-mail: fredrikw@chalmers.se, Phone +46 31 772 30 49
Assistant professor Elin Esbjörner Winters, Chemical Biology, E-mail: eline@chalmers.se, Phone + 46 31 772 51 20


*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***