Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Sweden : Postdoctoral position in biological THz applications

The Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience focuses on research, innovation and education within the fields of future electronics, photonics, bio- and nanosystems. A close collaboration with Swedish and international partners within academy, industry and society enables scientific excellence and creates an innovative environment. In addition to the 200 researchers and Ph D students, MC2 houses a cleanroom for micro- and nanofabrication with the latest equipment.

Information about the division
This work will be conducted as a collaborative project between the Terahertz and Millimetre Wave Laboratory (TML) and the Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

At TML we conduct research on new materials, devices and circuits for applications in the microwave, millimetre wave and terahertz frequency region.

Sandwiched between the visible light on the short wavelength side and radio waves on the long wavelength extreme, the terahertz, submillimetre or far-infrared radiation has long been considered the last remaining scientific gap in the electromagnetic spectrum. Consequently, this is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum (ca. 0.1-10 THz) where optical and microwave techniques meet.

We fabricate novel devices in our state-of-the-art Nanofabrication facility and evaluate these in various circuit demonstrators in our top-class microwave and terahertz characterisation facilities. Our research finds applications in radio astronomy, atmospheric science, radar sensors, THz-imaging systems, and future wireless communication systems.

At the Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry we are pursuing research in physical, biophysical, organic and analytical chemistry. A relevant example for this project is our work on designing, fabricating, characterizating and testing microfluidic devices. We also apply these microfluidic devices on various single cell and tissue types for the purpose of cell stimulation and analysis of cellular release.

We carry out high quality research in an open, dynamic and supportive environment. Our responsibility is to create and communicate knowledge in physical electronics for the benefit of life.

Job description
The research is focussed on the following activities
  • Establish new microwave/terahertz tools for probing protein conformational changes in living systems
  • Utilise established terahertz spectroscopy and measurement techniques
  • Develop microfluidic devices for single cell analysis
  • Search for suitable bio-molecules and bio-processes that would be interesting for microwave/terahertz probing

The Post-doctoral position is an appointment that offers an opportunity to qualify for further research positions within academia or industry. The majority of your working time is devoted to your own research, normally as a member of a research group. Included in your work is also to take part in supervision of Ph.D. students and M.Sc thesis students. Teaching of undergraduate students may also be included to a small extent.

The employment is limited to a maximum of 2 years (1+1) and in practice consists of
  • Research
  • Project work
  • Collaboration with teams at other universities
  • Publication and dissemination of research
  • International networking within the field of research
  • Apply for funding

Qualifications
The applicant should have Ph.D. degree in applied physics, and/or electrical engineering, and/or biophysics (normally not older than 3 years) by the start of the appointment. A succesful candidate should demonstrate potential for teaching and research.

Suitable background education/coursework/experience are
  • Microwave techniques
  • Nanofabrication, microfabrication techniques Terahertz spectroscopy
  • Optics
  • Biophysics

Postdoctoral university experience or experience gained from qualified research in industry is highly valued.

A keen interest in biology and and life sciences as a whole is advantageous, especially experience from interdisciplinary research.

Practical experience from cleanroom work and microfabrication is an plus.

Personal traits of the successful candidate
  • good communication skills
  • good analytical and experimental skills
  • good ability to work independently towards the goals expressed in the project plans

You are interested in applied science, creative and curious in a future career as a researcher.

You find problem solving stimulating and like challenges.

You are driven by curiosity, goal- oriented, and enjoy working in a team.

You like collaborating within projects and interacting with researchers within different disciplines.

You are especially interested in the application of engineering in life sciences and the benefits thereof.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20130020 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:
  • Application: (Please name the uploaded document in ReachMee as: APPLICATION, family name, ref. number)
    - CV, including list of publications,
    - two reference persons who can be contacted by Chalmers (describe association with them and give their contact addresses),
    - attested copies of education certificates, including grade reports and other documents.
  • A letter of application detailing your specific qualifications for the position, (named: QUALIFICATIONS, family name, ref. number)
    - maximum one A4 page
  • Research description: (named: RESEARCH PLANS, family name, ref. number) - 2-3 pages describing accomplished research and the plans for future research

  •  

    Application deadline: 2013-02-21