Researcher Nanotechnology and Functional Materials with focus on wound healing biomaterials Full-time

Researcher Nanotechnology and Functional Materials with Focus on Wound Healing Biomaterials

At the Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials, Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Uppsala University

Temporary full-time position for 12 months, starting as soon as possible or by agreement

Join us!

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 close contacts 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 focuses, as well as a division that provides support and service. The department is an international place to work, and has around 230 active co-workers.

The Division of Nanotechnology and Functional Materials is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ångström Laboratory. At the division, we conduct research within functional porous materials for energy and environmental applications, nano biomaterials, sustainable electrical energy storage and energy transformations, functionalization of electrode surfaces for catalytic applications, additive manufacturing of pharmaceutical materials, microsensors for in vivo usage and sustainable materials from biomass. Researchers here thus have extensive experience in the functionalization of biomaterials, biocompatibility, diagnostics, additive manufacturing, organic energy storage, nanosafety and the development and characterization of functional porous materials.

Project description

This is a multidisciplinary project with the aim of creating therapeutic solutions to promote the healing of chronic wounds. The focus is on developing a new generation of wound healing peptides and explore strategies for the incorporation of the novel peptides into nanocellulose-based wound dressings. The research activities include peptide design and synthesis, incorporation of the novel peptides on nanocellulose-based hydrogels, followed by the evaluation of the functionalized hydrogels in terms of physicochemical and biological properties. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers at the Dept. of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, led by Prof. Ulf Göransson.

Duties

The tasks within this project include conducting high-quality research in all stages of the project, from the design, synthesis and characterization of wound-healing peptides to the preparation and evaluation of peptide-nanocellulose hydrogels and the analysis and publication of the scientific results.

The following tasks are included in the employment:

• Peptide design, synthesis and characterization
• In vitro cell studies to evaluate the bioactivity, stability and safety of the novel peptides
• Propose and investigate strategies for the incorporation of the novel peptides on nanocellulose-based hydrogels.
• Evaluate the nanocellulose hydrogels as peptide delivery systems.

You are expected to work safely and independently in a lab environment, as well as effectively in a large multidisciplinary group of materials scientists, biochemists, biologists and microbiologists.

In addition, 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.

Qualification requirements

PhD degree in chemistry, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical chemistry, engineering sciences, materials science or a closely related field.

We require documented knowledge and several years of research experience in:

• Functionalization of carbohydrates
• Hydrogel-based drug delivery systems
• Biological evaluation of materials

We require very good oral and written skills in English, as well as very good skills in writing scientific publications.

Additional qualifications

We are looking for you who is eager to explore innovative approaches to design and optimize materials with enhanced bioactivity.

• Experience in design and synthesis of peptides will be considered a strong merit, as well as expertise in chemical modification and characterization of nanocellulose materials.
• Documented knowledge and experience in electron microscopy, HPLC, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and circular dichroism is meriting.

Personal qualities such as a strong motivation and the ability to work independently and in collaboration with individuals from diverse disciplines are required. We require a structured way of working as well as the ability to lead and execute subprojects.

When assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the applicant's documented experience of publishing scientific papers in high-quality journals.

Your application must include

• A short letter of description of yourself, why are you interested in joining this project, and why you are suitable for this position
• CV (maximum 2 pages)
• Copy of the PhD, master's degree (or equivalent) and academic transcripts
• Publication list. Mark the most relevant publications for the position and comment your contribution to those publications.
• Names and contact details of at least two reference persons who have accepted to give their references. It must also be stated what relationship you have had with the respective referee.

During the application period, we will continuously read application documents and call for interviews.

About the employment

The position is a temporary position for 12 months. Scope of employment: 100%. Starting date as soon as possible or by agreement. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:

Associate Professor Natalia Ferraz, natalia.ferraz@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application no later than 2nd of April 2026, UFV-PA 2026/751