Doctoral Researcher (polymer chemistry, physical organic chemistry, self-assembled systems, drug del

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en

The Supramolecular chemistry of bio- and nanomaterials team is interested in using light to both make new materials; study the behavior of formed and/or forming materials; precisely change and/or control the properties of ready-made materials e.g. for controlled drug release. We are a part of the Chemistry & Advanced Materials (CAM) research cluster and the PREIN Flagship on Photonics Research and Innovation.

Job description

We are looking for a new Doctoral Researcher (applicant with a M.Sc. degree) to work on the Academy of Finland funded project TIAD (Novel 3D-bioprintable and injectable tissue-adhesive biomaterials for Stimuli-responsive controlled release of therapeutic agents) led by university lecturer Docent Elina Vuorimaa-Laukkanen. The aim is to develop methods to produce drug-loaded hydrogel-based corneal transplants with the emphasis on developing fully biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel solutions. The main goal in the project is to develop controlled drug release systems from hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogels. The implementation is centered around chemistry and biomaterial science: finding efficient strategies to load the drugs into the hydrogels and evaluating the drug release profiles of these systems. You would be working as a part of a team with shared aims, but individual tasks. The work will be performed in close collaboration with Eye Regeneration group led by Prof. Heli Skottman (Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University).

Doctoral supervisors will be University lecturer Docent Elina Vuorimaa-Laukkanen (Tampere University) and Senior Researcher Anni Mörö (Tampere University).

We expect the doctoral candidate to be active especially in the experimental part of the research, but also in the communication of the results to the scientific audience (i.e. writing publications, presenting the data in seminars and conferences). Our research goals are ambitious. However, we do not expect you to be a master of everything when you start: your concrete tasks will be tailored based on your previous knowledge and current interests. So, do not hesitate to apply!

Requirements

Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:

Educational Qualification: Must hold a master’s degree in chemistry, pharmacy, biomaterials, biotechnology or a related field at the time of application.

Academic Background: A solid background in chemistry is required. Knowledge of polymer chemistry and self-assembled systems especially hydrogels and methods of their fabrication and characterization is preferred.

Technical Proficiency: Practical laboratory experience on spectroscopic measurements (steady-state and time-resolved ones) is seen as a strong benefit. This can be demonstrated e.g. by courses taken and background in some of the following areas: photochemistry, experimental physical chemistry, spectroscopy. Experience in bio-printing and basic skills in cell experiments are appreciated.  

Language Skills: Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required. Applicants should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Finnish is not required.

Working Style: Competence and motivation to pursue postgraduate studies. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Candidates should demonstrate a balance of autonomy and collaborative skills.

Please note that before commencing the position, the selected candidate must apply for a study right within the doctoral program at Tampere University, unless they already have one. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on eligibility requirements.

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition, and learner-centeredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.

We offer

The position will be full-time for 2 years. The expected starting date is January 15, 2025 or mutually agreed as soon as possible. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees. 

The salary will be based on both the job demands and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the University Salary System. The position of is placed on the job demand level 2 (the demand level chart for the teaching and research staff). In addition, employees will receive performance-based salary. A typical gross starting salary for Doctoral Researcher is approximately 2600 euros/month. The salary increases based on experience and the progress of doctoral studies.

As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community – our academic playground.

We are inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, active and truly international research community. Interdisciplinarity is highly encouraged, as it allows you to expand your research network and exposes you to new perspectives and ideas to solve complex research problems and pursue novel research findings. We have a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. 

Tampere is the largest inland city in Finland and is considered a major academic hub in the Nordic countries. The region is home to a vibrant, knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community, and the city is an industrial powerhouse with a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. Additionally, Finland is known for being one of the most stable, free, and safe countries in the world, based on various ratings by prominent agencies. Tampere is surrounded by stunning nature, with forests and lakes offering countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the year. 

Read more about Finland and Tampere:

• Visit Finland
• This is Finland
• Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment: Welcome to Finland
• Visit Tampere
• Business Tampere

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is Monday, December 2, 2024 (at 23:59 EEST / UTC+2). Applications and all accompanying documentation should be written in English, and in PDF format.

Applications should include the following documents in one file:

• Curriculum Vitae according to TENK template 
• Copy of your MSc and BSc degree certificates, including transcripts of records and their English translations
• Motivation letter (incl. research directions) 
• Language skills certificate if available (not mandatory)
• Possible Letters of recommendation (not mandatory)

Please, refer to TIAD project in the title of your motivation letter.

For more information, please contact:

University lecturer Docent Elina Vuorimaa-Laukkanen, email: elina.vuorimaa-laukkanen(at)tuni.fi
Senior Researcher Anni Mörö, email: anni.moro(at)tuni.fi

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Tekniikan ja luonnontieteiden tiedekunnan Bio- ja nanomateriaalien supramolekulaarinen kemia -ryhmä etsii väitöskirjakoulutettavaa työskentelemään biotulostettavien hydrogeelien parissa. Ryhmä on kiinnostunut valon käyttämisestä uusien materiaalien valmistukseen, muokkaamiseen ja materiaalien käyttäytymisen tutkimiseen esim. lääkkeen säädeltyä vapautumista varten.

Tehtävänkuvaus 

Tavoitteena on kehittää uusia hydrogeelejä, joita voidaan käyttää sarveiskalvosiirrännäisten materiaalina painottaen täysin bioyhteensopivia ja biohajoavia ratkaisuja. Lisäksi näihin biomateriaaleihin lisätään terapeuttisia aineita kontrolloidun lääkeannostelun aikaansaamiseksi. Työskentelet osana tiimiä, jolla on yhteiset tavoitteet, mutta yksilölliset tehtävät. Työ tehdään tiiviissä yhteistyössä Eye Regeneration-ryhmän kanssa, jota johtaa prof. Heli Skottman (Lääketieteen ja terveysteknologian tiedekunta, Tampereen yliopisto).

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet ylläolevasta englanninkielisestä ilmoituksesta. 

Jätäthän hakemuksesi yliopiston sähköisellä hakulomakkeella (linkki löytyy tämän ilmoituksen alta). 

Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 2.12.2024 klo 23.59.

Osaamisalue: Tutkimus, kehitys & tuotekehitys