Postdoctoral position in ecotoxicology with an emphasis on microbiology

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 49 000 students and 6 400 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals and populations, to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics and combinations of these fields in order to understand the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes of the environment.

The department is placed at three different localities: in Gothenburg Botanical garden, at Medicinarberget in Gothenburg, and at the marine research station-Kristineberg. The current position is placed at the Gothenburg Botanical garden. 

Project description  
This project (https://www.ri.se/en/what-we-do/projects/encapsulated-biocide-cocktail-minimal-toxicity) studies biocide mixtures, which combine high efficacy at target sites with low environmental impacts. Combining biocidal synergy with smart and controlled release systems might considerably reduce biocide emissions and, consequently, the environmental impact of antimicrobial products. The aim of the project is to provide a proof-of-concept and make use of synergistic effects to formulate sustainable state-of-the-art fiber-based materials for a range of applications, e.g. for antibacterial materials used in hospitals and similar applications. Biocides will be embedded in microcapsules from which their release is controlled at the lowest possible rate over a prolonged time. If successful, the conceptual idea can also be applied in a range of other biocidal materials, e.g. for disinfection and antifouling purposes.

The PostDoc position is placed in the interdisciplinary project SynCap – “Smart, benign and synergistic antifouling cocktails for achieving a non-toxic environment: formulation and ecotoxicological evaluation”. SynCap is funded by FORMAS, which is the Swedish research council for sustainable development and will directly contribute to the non-toxic environment by developing a sustainable and implementable antifouling/antimicrobial technology.

The project is implemented in close co-operation with research groups at RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden AB) and Chalmers University of Technology. The project is also linked to the FRAM center for future chemical risk assessment and management.

Job assignments
The PostDoc student shall, in close collaboration with other project members, first develop the conceptual idea of the project into specific, testable hypotheses. These will then be investigated experimentally by a systematic high-throughput screening of promising biocide combinations in microbial test systems, which will, at a later stage, be completed by ecotoxicological testing using a range of non-target organisms.

Additionally, the PostDoc shall, in close collaboration with experts from RISE and Chalmers, apply various techniques for the preparation of biocide-loaded microcapsules and wet-spinning techniques to produce cellulose fibers with embedded microcapsules. The overall aim is to provide a proof-of-concept for the whole process of producing antimicrobial materials that have at least the same performance as current materials, but, at the same time, have a substantially lower environmental footprint.

Eligibility
The applicant must hold a PhD degree in an area relevant for the tasks at hand (microbiology or any of its subdisciplines, ecotoxicology) or a foreign exam substantially equivalent to a PhD degree in a relevant subject. Preference will be given to candidates who have been awarded the degree no more than three years before the application deadline. Applicants with a degree awarded earlier may also be preferred if specific reasons exist. Such specific reasons may be a leave due to illness, parental leave or other similar circumstances.

Assessments
We are seeking a motivated scientist with emphasis on Ecotoxicology, to engage in an interdisciplinary project focusing on biocide combinations and mixture optimization for efficacy and (eco)toxicity, which involves the systematic experimental characterization of biocide mixture effects on target and non-target organisms. A specialization in microbial ecotoxicology, toxicology or microbiology in general, as well as proven experience in experimental design, biostatistics, standard and advanced ecotoxicological biotests and chemical risk assessment are all advantageous. Basic knowledge in material sciences, especially in microencapsulation techniques, is a merit but not necessary.

Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, in English are necessary since we work in an international environment.

For further information and how to apply
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I005/1035/main?site=7&validator=9b89bead79bb7258ad55c8d75228e5b7〈=UK&rmpage=job&rmjob=17679. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.


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