Vacant job

The Department of Materials Science aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education focused on materials science solutions for major societal challenges.

About the Division

The Division of Medical Technology is part of the Department of Materials Science at the Ångström Laboratory. We conduct basic research on the development and evaluation of new materials interacting with biological systems to understand the underlying principles. For us, it is equally important to study the impact of materials on biological processes as the impact of biological processes on materials. Our ambition is to create a dynamic teaching and research environment internationally recognized for its excellent ability to combine basic research with clinical applications.

The position is located at the Division of Medical Technology within the interdisciplinary research group EMBLA, led by Professor Maria Tenje. The group conducts successful and internationally recognized research on organs-on-chip and droplet-based microfluidics in collaboration with research teams at various Swedish and foreign universities. Research funding has been obtained through several prestigious grants, including from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the European Research Council (ERC).

Project Description

Organs-on-chip is a growing research field with the ambition to eventually replace traditional animal testing. A specific focus for our research group is to use integrated acoustics to manipulate and study cells in three-dimensional culture environments that mimic the body's tissues. This project aims to develop the group's acoustic technology portfolio to include acoustic holography. We are now seeking a postdoc driven by scientific curiosity and a desire to develop acoustofluidic systems to model blood vessels.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities within this interdisciplinary research project include conducting high-quality research in all parts of the project, from the design and manufacturing of microfluidic systems with integrated acoustics to the evaluation and publication of scientific results. You are expected to be responsible for the manufacturing, characterization, and optimization of acoustofluidic systems using acoustic holography to arrange endothelial cells and create vascular structures. Key aspects include evaluating structural resolution and the effect of medium viscosity. Together with other group members, you are also expected to use optical microscopy to investigate how different design parameters affect the orientation, organization, and growth of endothelial cells.

In addition to research, the role involves some supervision of doctoral students, master's students, and project students, as well as communicating research results through scientific articles in established scientific journals and presentations at international conferences. Some involvement in teaching may also be included. You are also expected to contribute to applications for external research funding.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a PhD or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD. The degree must be completed no later than the time the employment decision is made. Preference is given to those who have obtained their degree within the last three years. When calculating the three-year timeframe, the starting point is the last day of application. If there are special reasons, such degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, trust positions within trade unions, etc.

For this position, a PhD in Medical Technology, Technical Physics, Nanotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a corresponding degree in a related field where a significant part of the doctoral project was focused on acoustofluidics is required.

We require documented knowledge and experience in:

• acoustics and wave physics
• manufacturing and use of microfluidic systems, with specific expertise in UV-lithography, fabrication of PDMS devices, and polymer-based 3D printing
• experience in building experimental platforms for acoustofluidic systems

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

Desirable/Additional Merits

It is desirable to have documented knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• FEM modeling of microfluidic systems
• culturing and characterization of human cells, specifically endothelial cells
• analytical techniques (e.g., optical microscopy, flow cytometry, and qPCR)

About the Employment

The employment is fixed-term for two years according to the central collective agreement. The position is full-time. Start date: as soon as possible or by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

Information about the employment can be obtained from: Professor Maria Tenje, ([email protected]) or Gaia Alyasin ([email protected]).

Please submit your application by August 12, 2026, Ref: UFV-PA 2026/1986

Read the full announcement and apply via uu.se

Open to all. We focus on your competence, not your other prerequisites. We are open to adapting the role or workplace to your needs.