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Join a multidisciplinary research team developing the next generation of spectroscopic diagnostics for wound care.

Your Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a leading role in a multidisciplinary research project aimed at developing advanced SERS-based diagnostic technologies for rapid detection and characterization of wound infections. The work combines material development, spectroscopy, and biomedical validation in clinically relevant environments.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Designing, fabricating, and optimizing high-performance plasmonic nanostructures and SERS substrates for sensing in complex biological matrices
• Conducting practical collection of SERS data from biologically and clinically relevant samples, including in vitro cultured bacteria, experimental models for infected wounds, and clinical wound samples in collaboration with clinical partners
• Developing and optimizing robust SERS-based measurement and sampling strategies tailored for heterogeneous, variable, and protein-rich biological environments
• Performing physicochemical and spectroscopic characterization of substrate performance, including sensitivity, reproducibility, stability, and matrix effects
• Analyzing spectroscopic data using multivariate statistics and machine learning-based methods in close collaboration with data analysts
• Actively engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations spanning spectroscopy, soft matter and nanomaterials, microbiology, and clinical wound research
• Contributing to the writing of high-quality scientific publications, conference contributions, and participation in international research networks

As a postdoctoral researcher, your primary focus will be on research. Teaching may also be included in your responsibilities, but no more than one-fifth of the working time.

Your Qualifications

To be eligible for the position of postdoctoral researcher, you must have obtained a doctoral degree or have a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. Your degree must have been awarded no later than at the time the employment decision is made.

It is advantageous if your degree was awarded no more than three years before the application deadline for this position. If there are special reasons, candidates who obtained their doctoral degree earlier may also be considered, for example, due to various types of statutory leave.

We are looking for candidates with a doctoral degree in physics, physical chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, or a related field, as well as documented practical research experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Raman spectroscopy and/or surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), including experimental data collection and analysis
• Design, synthesis, and characterization of plasmonic or inorganic nanoparticles for optical or sensor-based applications
• Nanostructured materials or soft matter for biosensing or biointerfacing.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to independently plan, conduct, and interpret advanced experiments, including experience working with complex, heterogeneous, or biologically relevant samples.

It is particularly advantageous if you have experience in:

• Biosensors or diagnostic technologies for biomedical or clinical applications
• Spectroscopy applied to microbiological systems or infection-related samples
• Multivariate data analysis, machine learning, or AI-based methods for spectral data
• Interdisciplinary collaborations, including engagement with microbiologists or clinicians

You are an ambitious and highly motivated researcher with strong analytical skills and a clear drive for impactful research. You work independently but thrive in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments. Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is required, as well as the ability to actively contribute to international collaborations and high-level scientific communication.

Your Workplace

The position is located at the Department of Biophysics and Biotechnology, Institute of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University. You will be part of the Laboratory of Molecular Materials (m2lab), an interdisciplinary research environment focused on bioresponsive materials and advanced diagnostic systems.

Information about the workplace:

• https://liu.se/organisation/liu/ifm (https://liu.se/organisation/liu/ifm)
• https://liu.se/en/research/m2lab (https://liu.se/en/research/m2lab)

About the Position

The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years with the possibility of extension for a total employment period of no more than three years. The postdoctoral position is full-time.

Start date according to agreement.

Salary and Benefits

The university applies individual salary setting; please include your salary expectations in your application.

Read more about employee benefits here.

Union Contacts

Information about union contacts can be found in the Help for Applicants section.

Application

You apply for this position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must be received by Linköping University no later than February 12, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as this enriches and develops our operations. It is self-evident for us to uphold everyone's equal value, rights, and opportunities. Read about our work with Equal Conditions.

Welcome with your application!

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