Doctoral Student in Nanotechnology with Specialization Diagnostics of Antibiotic Resistance

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The task is to conduct research and education of the highest quality and to cooperate with society in various ways. Our most important asset is all the individuals who, with their curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has 44,000 students, 7,100 employees and a turnover of SEK 7 billion.

The Department of Engineering Sciences is one of the largest at Uppsala University and conducts research in a variety of technical subjects. The department has about 360 employees and has operations at Ångström Laboratory and Campus Gotland. The service is at the Department of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, Ångström Laboratory.

Project Description and Tasks: Antibiotic resistance is a growing global problem. In Europe alone, about 25,000 people die each year in infectious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The project aims to detect antibiotic resistant bacteria quickly, easily and with high sensitivity using magnetic nanoparticles. The detection principle is based on analysis of how the magnetic properties of nanoparticles change when they bind to DNA molecules specific to a particular bacterium.

The project will include detection of different types of bacterial genomes that may have built up antibiotic resistance. The work includes optimization of the biomolecular protocols and optimization of the bond between nanoparticles and the DNA molecules with the aim of maximizing the sensitivity of the detection method. It may also be relevant for the applicant to become involved in the work of implementing the biomolecular protocols in microfluidic format in order to provide a complete detection system. The project will be a collaboration with, among others, Uppsala Antibiotic Center.

The main task of a doctoral student is to devote to his / her postgraduate education, which includes both participation in research projects and postgraduate courses. The duties may also include participation in teaching and other institutional work, but a maximum of 20% of working time.

Qualification Requirements: The applicant must have a Master's Degree in Molecular Biotechnology or equivalent education in the adjoining area. Experience in biosensors or diagnostic techniques is a merit.

Very good communication ability in oral and written English is a requirement.

Personal qualities, such as the ability to manage and run projects while also interacting with other researchers, are very important. The applicant must be purposeful, structured and able to work effectively both individually and in groups.

Eligibility: Basic eligibility for postgraduate education has the one who has

• graduated at the advanced level or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits, with content relevant to postgraduate education or
• acquired in other ways in or outside the country, essentially equivalent knowledge

Application Procedure : The application must contain a letter in which the applicant briefly describes himself and his research interests. The application must also contain CVs, copies of diplomas and diplomas, and other relevant documents.

Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5 §§ 1-7 and in the University's rules and guidelines  http://regler.uu.se/ .

Uppsala University values the qualities that equal gender distribution and diversity add to the business. We therefore like to see applicants of all genders and with different birth backgrounds, functionality and life experience.

Salary: According to local collective agreement for doctoral students.

Admission: By agreement.

Type of Employment: Time-limited employment according to HF Chapter 5, Section 7.

Scope of Employment:  100%

Information about the position is provided by: Dr Teresa Zardán Gómez de la Torre (teresa.zardan@angstrom.uu.se) or Professor Maria Strømme (maria.stromme@angstrom.uu.se).

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com