Postdoc in engineering physics, biophysics and life science

Job description

Are you interested in observing the dynamic life of molecules within cells and tissues? We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join the lab of Ilaria Testa, a dynamic and multidisciplinary group at the Department of Applied Physics and Science for Life Laboratory, the hub of Life sciences in Sweden. Our team focuses on developing cutting-edge methods for investigating biological samples with unprecedented precision and resolution. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the group brings together students and researchers from diverse backgrounds, including physics, engineering, chemistry, biotechnology, and neuroscience.

The project will focus on the development of a new platform to study molecular interactions at the edge between optics and biophysics. The integration of fluorescence kinetics studies with the development of new optical instrumentation will be central to this research work. The candidate will play a key role in the development of a high-throughput screening platform based on STARSS (Selective Time-resolved Anisotropy with Reversibly Switching States) technology. This will include conducting proof-of-concept testing to demonstrate the platform’s capabilities and validate the results, developing a robust data acquisition and analysis pipeline to handle high-throughput measurements.

In addition to the research, the candidate will have the opportunity to translate scientific discoveries into real-world applications in collaboration with Rizer Biotech AB, a spin-out company from the lab.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Experience in developing optical instrumentation for microscopy or other highly advanced optical instrumentation.
• The ability to work towards research results being utilised in practice. 
• The ability to collaborate and contribute to a team environment.
• The ability to independently drive development projects and report on progress in a timely manner.
• The ability to independently solve problems and acquire the needed expertise to drive advanced development.
• The ability to communicate knowledge and technical information appropriately and effectively.
• Highly proficient in the English language since this is used in the daily work. 

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience in Python
• Experience in microscopy development and applications
• Experience in laboratory work and sample preparation
• Experience with fluorescence based technologies
• Teaching abilities
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximally two pages long.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

According to The Protective Security Act (2018-585), the candidate must undergo and pass security vetting if the position is placed in a security class. Information regarding whether the position is subject to such a classification will be provided during the recruitment process.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here

1. Ilaria Testa, testa@kth.se