Postdoctoral positions in Functional Nanopores

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is the largest department at Chalmers with research ranging from the most fundamental level to a level close to application in industry and society. The research activities reach from DNA-research and biomaterials to high temperature corrosion, catalysis and recycling. The Department is also heavily committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, as well as postgraduate level in these areas.

Health, natural resources, sustainable energy and materials are some of our lead words and our vision is “Through curiosity and knowledge towards a sustainable world”.

We have approximately 300 employees, divided into four research and one administrative division. We are situated at campus Johanneberg in the middle of Gothenburg.


Information about the research
Life is amazingly complex on the molecular level and it has proven highly challenging to understand the behavior of complex biomolecules such as all the proteins in our cell. In contrast to DNA, proteins are much more diverse and also highly sensitive, which makes them more challenging to work with. In our research we try to develop new methods for detection, separation and analysis of biomolecules, in particular proteins. Our vision is to provide the tools needed to advance molecular biology. Along the way we also face many fundamental questions on the behavior of macromolecules and supramolecular chemistry on the nanoscale.

Solid state nanopores are emerging as important tools for biophysics and synthetic biology. In our research on functional nanopores we fabricate new types of nanopores that, given the proper chemical functionalization, enables new methods for detection, separation and analysis of proteins. In contrast to the often encountered nanopores in thin dielectric membranes, we fabricate nanopores in thin metal films. This makes it possible to implement more technqiues in order to analyze and manipulate molecules inside the nanopores. In particular we work with optical detection through so called surface plasmons. To control if biomolecules can translocate through the nanopores we functionalize them with polymer brushes, often using surface initiated polymerization. We are particularly interested in responsive polymers which have a morphology that can be tuned by the local physiochemical environment.

The work is mainly experimental and established surface sensitive techniques are important for us to verify the surface chemistry. We use technques such as surface plasmon resonance, quartz crystal microbalance and atomic force microscopy. This is in addition to the polymer synthesis by atom transfer radical polymerization. The functionalized nanopores are analyzed by optical spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques. The nanopores are fabricated in the Chalmers MC2 cleanroom facilities. As a complement to the experimental work we also do numerical simulations of heat, mass and momentum transport using COMSOL Multiphysics.

The division of Applied Chemistry includes the subdivisions of Applied Surface Chemistry, Biopolymer Technology, Pharmaceutical Technology and Polymer Technology. We work with research and education of the highest quality for smarter materials and more effective processes, for improved health and a better environment. In the Functional Nanopores group we are currently 4 PhD students supervised by Associate Professor Andreas Dahlin. Please check www.adahlin.com for further information!

Major responsibilities
As a postdoc you will conduct research under supervision, although generally in a more independent manner as compared to a PhD student. Research projects will be assigned to you, but you are also encouraged to propose projects of your own choosing. It is expected that you have a good overview of the major scientific and technological challenges of your field. You are also expected to be able to write scientific articles and give presentations about your work in a professional manner.

The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a PhD degree in a relevant research field; the degree should generally not be older than three years. If you have already worked with related projects or similar experimental techniques it is further meriting. In your application, please feel free to suggest suitable research projects based on synergetic effects between your experiences and the existing competences in our environment. The ideal candidate for a postdoc position is someone who is not only talented and motivated, but who can contribute with something new and useful for our group.

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 20160491 and written in English.
Application deadline: 31 January, 2017

For questions, please contact:
Associate professor Andreas Dahlin, Applied Chemistry
adahlin@chalmers.se, 0317722844

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