Researcher position

Researcher position in Strategies towards high performance antibacterial nanocomposite surfaces

Background
Healthcare associated infections (HAI) is a major problem worldwide. In Europe alone it affects more than 4 million patients every year and adds billions in direct costs to the European healthcare systems. The vast majority of HAI are related to extended contact with invasive devices as they constitute a platform for bacteria to colonize. Bacterial colonization of invasive devices leads to biofilm formation which also makes the associated infections harder to treat with antibiotics, at the same time increasing the risk for bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance. In this framework, the project aims to build on previously developed graphene polymer nanocomposite surfaces that eliminate 99.99% of bacteria that try to attach try to attach. The goal of the project will be to push the boundaries forward with new strategies towards high performance antibacterial nanocomposite surfaces with applications to invasive biomedical devices.

Information about the division
The position will be based at the Division of Engineering Materials, Department of Industrial and Materials Science at Chalmers. The Division of Engineering Materials is broadly centered on the relationship between technological materials microstructure and their mechanical properties. Specifically, the Kádár Group of the division works in the general area of Rheology and Processing of Soft Matter. Current research activities are centered around three topics: (i) flow-field filler interaction in nanostructured fluids, (ii) multifunctional properties in polymer nanocomposites and (iii) advanced rheological characterization and method development.

The project will include a close cooperation with the Department of Biology and Biotechnology at Chalmers, Wellspect AB and 2Dfab.

Your project
You will develop methods where you combine new material formulations with lab-scale polymer processing developments as new strategies towards high performance antibacterial nanocomposite surfaces, or in more detail:

(i) develop new highly-filled filler – matrix formulations and determine the impact thereof on material structuring through processing with the goal of understanding structure-property relationships

(ii) develop new strategies towards structuring material formulations developed in (i) using polymer processing and / or coating methods

(iii) investigate other related multifunctional properties of the antibacterial nanocomposites.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment (100%) focused on research for 16 months with the possibility for extension to a maximum of 24 months. To clarify, researcher appointment is a formal title and it is in fact a postdoctoral appointment.

Qualifications
Applicants can be of any nationality. Chalmers supports a balanced gender representation by promoting genuine equal access opportunities throughout the recruitment process.

Applicants must have a PhD degree (or obtain the degree before their employment starts). Candidates may apply prior to ob­tai­ning their PhD degree but cannot begin before having received it.

A number of scientific backgrounds could be considered for the position, however prior knowledge and experience on graphene-related materials research, polymer nanocomposites, polymer processing and coating technologies will be valuable for a successful completion of the project. Creativity, fluency in English, good collaborative skills, ability to communicate results in writing and presentations, also to non-experts are essential personal qualities for the position.

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

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
Learn more and apply here: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9494


Application deadline: 29 May, 2021