Vacant job

At the Division of Medical Technology, Department of Materials Science, Uppsala University

Fixed-term full-time position for two years, starting as soon as possible or by agreement

The Department of Materials Science aims to be a hub 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 research on the development of miniaturized platforms and the evaluation of new materials in interaction with biological systems to understand underlying principles. For us, it is equally important to study the impact of materials on biological processes as it is to study the impact of biological processes on materials. Our ambition is to foster a dynamic teaching and research environment that is internationally recognized for its expertise in connecting basic research with clinical applications.

This position is a recruitment within Patrick Sandoz’s research group at the Division of Medical Technology. As a member of the group, you will play a key role in establishing new research activities within microphysiological systems and biomaterials to study cancer immunobiology, and more specifically, properties within the tumor microenvironment.

Project Description

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and many types exhibit 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, thereby providing a platform to identify and optimize therapeutic candidates. Our group specializes in developing technologies to investigate the multicellular environment in three-dimensional micro-tumor 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 physical changes interact with immunosuppressive mechanisms that allow tumors to evade immune surveillance.

Responsibilities

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the research direction, where your contribution is crucial for establishing the laboratory's infrastructure, building its experimental methods and tools, and defining best practices for tumor-on-chip fabrication, biomechanical sensing, and immune function characterization. You will collaborate closely with the research leader, other postdocs, PhD students, and external partners to advance research goals and generate high-impact results. In addition to research, the role involves some supervision of PhD students, master’s students, and project students, as well as communicating research findings through scientific articles in established journals and presentations at international conferences. Some teaching duties may also be included. You are expected to contribute to applications for external research funding.

Qualifications

To qualify for a postdoctoral position, you must hold a PhD degree or a foreign degree considered equivalent to a PhD. The degree must be completed by the time of the employment decision. Those who have completed their PhD three years before the application deadline have priority for the position. The starting point for the three-year period is the application deadline. In special cases, such as leave due to illness, parental leave, or trust positions within trade unions, the degree may have been completed earlier.

This position requires a PhD in one of the following fields: materials science, biomedical engineering, tissue engineering, immunology engineering, microsystems/applied biotechnology, or a corresponding degree in a related field.

• Well-documented experience in the development of microphysiological systems or biosensor fabrication.
• Excellent oral and written skills in English, as well as very good skills in writing scientific publications.

A postdoctoral appointment initially lasts for two years, with the possibility of extension for a third year. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, or union duties.

Desirable/Additional Qualifications

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

• CAD design and microfabrication in cleanroom facilities.
• Hydrogel formulation, chemical crosslinking, biomechanical sensing.
• Biological staining and advanced light microscopy techniques.
• Cultivation and characterization of mammalian cells, preferably cancer or immune cells.

Applications may preferably be written in English. We will review applications continuously during the application period and invite candidates to interviews.

About the Employment

The employment is fixed-term for 2 years according to the central collective agreement. The position is full-time. Start date: 15-09-2026 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact:

Dr. Patrick Sandoz, [email protected] or Karin Magnusson, [email protected]

Please submit your application no later than 27-07-2026, Ref: UFV-PA 2026/1723

Read the full advertisement and apply at uu.se/jobb.

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