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Postdoc (scholarship) in Organ-on-Chip Technology Development

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy.

The workplace

This scholarship is to be based in the Winkler Lab . We are a highly interdisciplinary, dynamic, and international team with the goal of solving life science challenges using microsystems tools. A key focus area of our Lab is so-called Organs-on-Chips, microfluidic cell culture systems that strive to better recapitulate human physiological function in vitro. We are part of the Division of Micro- and Nanosystems at KTH.

Project description

Our 5-year ERC-funded project CHIPzophrenia aims to create a novel modular Organ-on-Chip architecture, and to integrate new modalities of sensing and control, to ultimately better understand the involvement of blood-brain barrier dysfunction in schizophrenia. Your postdoctoral research project is expected to drive forward the Organ-on-Chip development, either (a) by leveraging a broad range of bulk and surface microengineering tools, from template molding to photolithography to UV grafting, to develop microfluidic interface approaches, and/or (b) by leveraging tailored enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic electrode modifications to develop electrochemical biosensors and biocontrollers. While your work will initially focus on technology development, you will also be expected to collaborate with our biological team as they develop the cell systems to be investigated with these Organs-on-Chips.

Qualifications


Requirements

  • A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline, in engineering (biomedical, electrical, chemical, mechanical, …), physics, chemistry, materials science, or similar

  • Extensive expertise in, and practical experience with, microfluidic engineering and/or electrochemical sensing, substantiated by peer-reviewed publications

  • Strong drive and motivation, creativity and problem-solving skills, ability to work independently, and collaborative spirit

  • Strong communication skills, as well as fluency in oral & written English

Preferred qualifications

  • Knowledge on and experience with cleanroom microfabrication, surface chemistry modification, and/or biosensor engineering

  • Interest also in interdisciplinary and collaborative work to combine biology with microsystems

  • Experience writing, or contributing to, research grant applications

  • Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality

What we offer

  • A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future

  • Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment

  • Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature

  • Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Application

Apply to this scholarship by e-mail to Thomas E Winkler winklert@kth.se . You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad. Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than 2024-08-06. Mark your application with reference number J-2024-1869.

The application must include the following documents:

  • Motivation letter and research statement (max. 3 pages combined) on:
    - why you are interested in this scholarship, and why you are the right person to fill it;
    - a brief outline of your prior research experience;
    - a short note on your strongest and/or most relevant research paper, regarding why you selected it, and what specifically you contributed; as well as
    - a sketch of research ideas

  • Curriculum vitae, including contact information for three references

According to The Protective Security Act (2018-585), the candidate must undergo and pass security vetting if the position is placed in a security class. Information regarding whether the position is subject to such a classification will be provided during the recruitment process.

Please observe that you apply for a scholarship, not an employment.

About the position/positions

Period: 12 months with possibility for renewal

Extent: Full-time

Number of positions: 1

Scholarship: 29 000 kr/month. The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis.

Location: Stockholm

EU Citizens on scholar or private funding need to bring a certificate showing EHIC insurance (a comprehensive medical- and health insurance) from the home country, which must cover during the full stay in Sweden.

Without this certificate you may only remain three months in Sweden and will not be able to register as a residence in Sweden.

The responsibility for the comprehensive insurance is strictly on the applicant.

Contact

Assoc.Prof. Thomas E Winkler, winklert@kth.se

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