Postdoc in organic bioelectronics

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated post doc to work on novel iontronic drug delivery systems to develop the next generation of cancer therapies. The position is within the Laboratory of Organic Electronics at the Linköping University and is part of the European EIC Pathfinder project “bioSWITCH”. bioSWITCH aims to deliver the right dose at the right place at the right time, unlocking the “5th dimension” in medicine. The research is thus at the interface of bioelectronic devices, bioorthogonal click-chemistry, and biological models to develop the next generation of cancer therapies. Learn more at https://bioswitch-project.eu/the-project/ 

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join our team focused on the development of implantable drug delivery systems for the next generation of cancer therapies. The bioSWITCH implant concept is based on a combination of “iontronic” electrophoretic drug delivery and click-to-release chemistry for targeted, programmable, and precise dosage of potent chemotherapeutics. This postdoc position is focused specifically on the fabrication, characterization, optimization, and implementation of iontronic drug delivery devices – in a variety of geometries and experimental setups, including biological experiments with our bioSWITCH collaborators in Austria (Graz and Vienna). These tasks will include experimental design and automation, as well as integration with our custom hardware and software.

The successful candidate will have strong problem-solving skills, be able to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary and international team and have excellent communication abilities. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface between chemistry, biology, and electronics in the highly collaborative and supportive Laboratory of Organic Electronics (www.liu.se/loe)

We are looking for a team player with exceptional motivation and drive, solution-oriented thinking, and strong problem-solving skills. If you meet these qualifications and are eager to contribute to innovative and translational research, we encourage you to apply.

Work assignments 

Primary research will focus on developing iontronic drug delivery devices for cancer therapy applications. Various materials and fabrication methods, including photolithographic microfabrication and diverse 3D printing techniques, will be explored. Likewise, various characterization methods will be used, including electrochemistry, chemical/fluorescence assays, microscopy, etc. Activities will include experimental design and automation, as well as integration with our custom hardware and software, so some familiarity with electrical engineering and/or coding may be advantageous.

You will also be tasked with producing comprehensive reports and contributing to manuscript preparation efforts as part of a highly motivated team and in collaboration with high-profile international partners.

Qualifications

To be qualified to take employment as postdoc, you must have been awarded a doctoral degree or have a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree.  This degree must have been awarded at the latest by the point at which LiU makes its decision to employ you.

It is considered advantageous if your doctoral degree is no older than three years at application deadline for this job. If there are special reasons for having an older doctoral degree – such as taking statutory leave – then these may be taken into consideration.

The following education, experience, and expertise are required:

• A PhD in biomedical engineering, (bio-)physics, applied physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or equivalent
• Device fabrication using microfabrication or precision 3D-printing (ideally both)
• Experimental design and electrical characterization of device performance and associated data analysis
• Peer-reviewed publication as first or lead author
• Demonstrated scientific presentation skills
• Written and oral proficiency in English (all activities at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics are conducting in English)

In addition, the following areas are of particular merit:

• Experience with organic (bio)electronics, ion transport, drug delivery, implant design, and/or ion selective membranes (ideally all areas of expertise listed)
• Experience with cancer therapy, drug dosage calculation, and/or in vitro/vivo experiments (ideally all areas of expertise listed)
• Experience with photolithographic microfabrication, additive manufacturing (g., 3D printing), printed electronics, and/or assembly of micro-devices (ideally all areas of expertise listed)
• Experience with electrochemistry
• Programming skills, particularly in Python and/or LabView

And the following areas are of additional merit:

• Experience in cleanroom facilities
• Experience in 2D and 3D design using AutoCAD, Inventor, or equivalent
• Hands-on experience in hardware and circuit design
• Familiarity with wireless communication and power solutions
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience in producing comprehensive, high-standard reports and data visualization, and contributing to manuscript writing

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and suitability.

The workplace

This position will be placed at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE, liu.se/loe) where we explore electronic and optical properties of organic semiconductors, biomaterials from the forest and hybrid organic materials. LOE shares a common interest in exploiting the combination of electronic and ionic charge for use in energy, internet-of-things, health care and biology applications. Research topics include synthesis, material science, theory and modeling, device physics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and system design, and span the range from basic research to commercialization. LOE currently has >120 researchers and research students divided into eleven units sharing an open lab environment for fruitful collaboration and information sharing. 

You will be specifically part of LOE’s Organic Bioelectronics group (liu.se/en/research/organic-bioelectronics) where we investigate transduction between electronic signals and ionic/molecular signals in electroactive surfaces, “iontronic” chemical delivery and circuitry, biosensors, mimicking neural function, and many other areas. LOE is part of Linköping University’s Department of Science and Technology, located on the river Motala Ström at Campus Norrköping.

For more general information on the Swedish academic landscape including some aspects of life as a postdoc,  we strongly recommend skimming through the Young Academy of Sweden’s “Beginner’s Guide to Swedish Academia” https://sverigesungaakademi.se/en/publications/book-a-beginners-guide-to-swedish-academia-2/  

The employment

This employment is a temporary contract of two years with the possibility of extension up to a total maximum of three years. This employment is a temporary contract of three years The employment is full-time.

Starting as soon as possible, by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The University applies individual salary scales adapted to the experience of the employee and to the labour market. Postdoc salaries at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics start around 39 000 SEK/month before tax. As an employee of Linköping University, you are entitled to the following benefits:

• Paid vacation (28 workdays per year, corresponding to 5 ½ weeks).
• Free access to the Swedish health-care system (full health-care coverage).
• Paid maternity / paternity leave (up to 390 days per child).
• Accrued pension. During your work time in Sweden, you accrue income pension, paid by the employer, which is payable also if you leave Sweden.
• More information about employment benefits at Linköping University are available at https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/employee-benefits
• More information on the Swedish social insurance benefits system can be found at https://www.forsakringskassan.se/english/moving-to-working-studying-or-newly-arrived-in-sweden/social-insurance-system

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button. Your application must be received no later than August 14, 2024. 
 
Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered. 
 
Please attach your selected research publications electronically, in pdf or word format, in the application template.
 
In the event of a discrepancy between the English translation of the job announcement and the Swedish original, the Swedish version shall take precedent. 

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.




We look forward to receiving your application!





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