Postdoctoral Position in Biomedical Engineering Focused on Microphysiological Systems for Tumor Immunology Full-time

Postdoctoral Position in Biomedical Engineering Focused on Microphysiological Systems for Tumor Immunology

Uppsala University, Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology, Faculty of Technology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 202100-2932

at the Division of Biomedical Engineering Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University

Full-time temporary position for two years starting in September 2026, or as agreed upon

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research in a broad technology-related area, from basic research to large-scale applied research, and with close contact with students through the department's involvement in engineering and master's programs. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focus.

The Division of Biomedical Engineering is part of the Department of Materials Science, and Engineering at the Ångström Laboratory. We perform research within the development of miniaturized platforms and evaluation of new materials in interaction with biological systems to understand the underlying principles. For us, it is equally important to study the impact of materials on biological processes as well as the impact of biological processes on materials. Our ambition is to foster a dynamic teaching and research environment that is internationally recognized for its excellence in connecting basic research with clinical applications.

This position is recruited within Patrick Sandoz's research group at the Division of Biomedical Engineering. As a member of the group, you will play a key role in building new research activities focused on microphysiological systems and biomaterials to study cancer immunobiology, specifically the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. Research funding has been secured through a prestigious grant from SciLifeLab, a Swedish national center for advanced research and one of Europe's leading molecular biology laboratories, driving innovation in the life sciences. This creates an exciting platform with state-of-the-art infrastructure to conduct high-quality research, foster collaborations with other Swedish and international universities, and generate significant societal impact.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with many types showing resistance to standard treatments, posing significant challenges for healthcare and research. There is growing interest in microsystems that can replicate the local physiology of tumors, providing a platform to identify and optimize therapeutic candidates. Our group specializes in developing technologies to assess the multicellular environment within three-dimensional microtumor models. The project focuses particularly on understanding how the tumor microenvironment (TME) undergoes architectural remodeling – including changes in extracellular matrix composition, tissue mechanics, and spatial organization – and how these changes intersect with immunosuppressive mechanisms that allow tumors to evade immune surveillance. By integrating advanced biophysical characterization techniques with functional immunological readouts, we aim to decipher how mechanical and biochemical cues within the TME collectively regulate immune cell infiltration, activation, and therapeutic response. This work addresses a critical knowledge gap in cancer immunobiology and supports the development of more accurate disease models.

Duties

This is a unique opportunity to shape the research direction itself: you will be central to building the lab's infrastructure, experimental toolkit, and best practices for tumor-on-chip fabrication, biomechanical sensing and immune function characterization. You will collaborate closely with the principal investigator, other postdocs, PhD students, and external collaborators to advance research objectives and generate high-impact results. In addition to research, some participation in supervision of doctoral students, master's and project students as well as communication of research results through scientific articles in well-established scientific journals and presentations at international conferences are also included as important aspects of the employment. You will also have the possibility to contribute to applications for external research funds.

In this project, your responsibilities will include leading the investigation of structural and biophysical properties of miniaturized tumor environment models. A multidisciplinary approach is expected, integrating microfabrication, cell component and biomaterial incorporation, advanced imaging and staining of specific biological features. You will be responsible for designing, fabricating, and optimizing these systems using bioprinting and cleanroom-based techniques. You will also measure biomechanical properties and molecular signatures and isolate cell subsets of particular interest. You will have a leading role in the evaluation of results and translation of these platforms toward clinically relevant, novel diagnostic modalities, including contributing to intellectual property rights, development of collaborative partnerships with clinical researchers, and preparation of high-impact publications.

Requirements

To qualify for a postdoctoral position, you must have a doctoral degree or a foreign degree considered equivalent to a PhD degree. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier and be due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labor unions, etc.

This position requires a Doctoral degree in one of the following fields: materials science, biomedical engineering, tissue engineering, immunoengineering, microsystem/applied biotechnologies, or an equivalent degree in a related field.

• well documented experience with microphysiological system development or biosensor fabrication
• excellent oral and written skills in English, as well as very good skills in writing scientific publications

A Postdoctoral position initially lasts for 2 years, with a possibility that the employment can be extended a third year. Due to special circumstances, it can also be extended for reasons such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labor unions, etc.

Additional qualifications

• CAD design and microfabrication in a clean-room facility
• Hydrogel formulation, chemical crosslinking, biomechanical sensing
• Biological sample staining and advanced light microscopy techniques
• Culture and characterization of mammalian cells, preferably cancer or immune cells

We place high importance on your personal qualities. We seek a highly motivated and creative individual who can independently lead research projects from conception to completion, while also contributing to collaborative team efforts. You should demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, a curiosity-driven mindset, and the ability to adapt research directions as needed. You should also have the willingness to share your expertise and develop new technical competencies that translate fundamental research into practical applications. Special emphasis will be placed on your documented track record of independently planning and driving a research project, publishing scientific works as first or corresponding authors in high-quality journals, and giving presentations at international scientific meetings.

Your application must include

• A letter describing yourself, your goals within your research and why you are a suitable candidate for this position.
• CV (max 2 pages)
• List of publications
• Copy of three publications of special relevance
• Copy of the PhD, master's degree (or equivalent) and course grades and other merits
• Short description (max 300 words) of your doctoral thesis
• If available, an electronic version of your doctoral thesis (or weblink).
• Names and contact information (e-mail and telephone) to two reference persons who have agreed to act as reference for you. Please also describe the relationship with that person.

The application can preferably be written in English. During the application period, we will continuously read applications and call for interviews.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date September 15, 2026, or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Dr. Patrick Sandoz, patrick.sandoz@scilifelab.uu.se, or Karin Magnusson, karin.magnusson@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application by July 27, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/1723