PhD student in Luminescent Nanoprobes for in vivo bioimaging

The Department of Chemistry, with more than 200 employees, is one of the largest departments at Stockholm University. The Research spans all areas of chemistry such as analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic and structural chemistry and organic chemistry. The research projects are many from theory to experiment, from basic research to more applied projects often focusing on sustainable chemistry but also advanced analytical methods of chemicals and materials. The department has a very well-developed research infrastructure with state-of-the-art equipment with qualified support from staff scientists.

The department also hosts the Bachelor's degree programme in chemistry and three Master's programmes: analytical chemistry, sustainable chemistry, and organic chemistry. PhD programmes are conducted in five areas: analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry and the Department of Organic Chemistry.

Subject area

The PhD student will work in the Research Group of Associate Professor Georgios A. Sotiriou (https://sotirioulab.org) located at the Department of Chemistry and Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab). The co-supervisor is Professor Jerker Widengren from KTH in Stockholm.

Project title: Luminescent nanoaggregates as bioimaging probes.

Project description: Luminescent nanoparticle may serve as bioimaging probes to study their distribution in vivo in animal studies. This imaging is crucial during the development of nanoparticle based therapies. In this project, we will utilize the potential of flame aerosol nanoparticle synthesis to produce a variety of luminescent nanoparticles active in the near-IR. We will control their optical properties to maximise their detection in vivo, and we will also tune their surface properties to render them suitable for biofunctionalization. We will aim to target specific organs by specific biofunctionalization strategies. The project includes:

• Production of nanoparticles by flame aerosol synthesis.
• Physicochemical characterization of nanoparticles.
• Optimization of nanoparticle composition and size for near-IR luminescence and setting up optical system for measuring performance.
• Establishing biofunctionalization strategies for specific targeting cells and assessment in vitro in cell cultures.
• Ex vivo and in vivo assessment of performance for bioimaging.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific entry requirements are described in the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of chemistry.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
• capacity for analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency in English.

The candidate should hold a MSc in Chemical and/or Process Engineering, Nanotechnology, Engineering Physics or similar field. Experience in flame aerosol processes, nanoparticle technology and solid state characterization is desirable. Further experience with optical systems and characterization as well as cell cultures is considered a plus.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact the PI Georgios Sotiriou, georgios.sotiriou@su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.