Do you want to contribute to groundbreaking research in the field of structural characterisation of therapeutic nanoparticles? This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral position at the Division of Molecular Bioscience, Department of Life Sciences, focused on innovative research in designing microfluidics chips for studying lipid and polymer-based nanoparticles under flow using nuetron and X-ray scattering techniques.
About us
The Department of Life Sciences conducts research, innovation, and education to enable a biobased society and improve human health. We explore how biological systems, and innovative technologies can be used to convert biomass into valuable products. We use advanced computational technologies to discover how biomolecules and organisms function and interact. We pioneer new methods for prediction, prevention, diagnostics and treatment of diseases.
At the division of Molecular Bioscience, Department of Life Sciences, we combine and develop protein engineering, synthetic chemistry, nucleic acid technology, and state-of-the-art biophysical methods (microscopy, spectroscopy, live cell imaging, nanotechnology and neutron and X-ray scattering) to address cutting-edge questions in biology and meet medical challenges. Our joint expertise is strategic and spans from molecular biophysics of single molecules to cell and organism biology.
At the Holme group, within the Division of Molecular Bioscience, we combine knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics to study lipid-based nanoparticles. We characterise the composition and distribution of molecules in synthetic and naturally occurring nanoparticles (including extracellular vesicles), analyse their structure from the ensemble to single molecule level, and apply our findings to design new nanoparticles to study, diagnose and treat a range of diseases. We place particular focus on using neutron and X-ray scattering to characterise the membrane biophysics and morphology of these self-assembled lipid structures, both within the group and through a number of national and international collaborations.
About the research project
You will design a microfluidics setup for studying therapeutic nanoparticles and how they respond to their environment, using small angle neutron scattering at the European Spallation Source (ESS). This project is a collaboration between the Holme group (main supervisor), Stubelius group and others at Chalmers University of Technology, James Doutch at ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (UK), and Judith Houston at the ESS (Lund, Sweden). The Holme group is highly specialised in SANS data collection and analysis, and previous expertise in SANS, while meritous, is not a primary requirement for successful candidates.
Who we are looking for
The following requirements are mandatory:
- A doctoral degree in a relevant field such as soft matter, biophysics, materials science, nanomedicine, chemistry, or related disciplines, or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Experience in microfluidics for nanoparticle characterisation
- Strong analytical skills, experience with interdisciplinary research, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively
You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to demonstrate good potential within research and education, and to working in teams with diverse skillsets.
The following experience will strengthen your application:
- It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
- Experience in using neutrons or X-rays to study soft or hard matter at large scale research infrastructures
- Experience in in vitro experiments to characterise nanoparticle therapeutic efficacy
- Experience in in molecular dynamics simulations (coarse grain or all atom) and working knowledge in Python
What you will do
- You will develop a microfluidics system which will be employed at small angle scattering beamlines at the ESS to study nanoparticle structures and interactions under a range of biologically relevant conditions.
- Specifically, you will focus on understanding how surface functionalisation, protein corona formation, and glycosylation influence the structure and biological function of lipid- and polymer-based nanocarriers.
- You will collaborate with group members with expertise in small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), in vitro charactersiation, and molecular dynamics simulations, to establish structure–function relationships in advanced therapeutic delivery systems.
- There is opportunity to supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent.
- The position is based at Chalmers University of Technology, in Gothenburg. You will occasionally travel to the ESS in Lund for periods of up to a week at a time for beamtime experiments.
The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.
Contract terms
The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.
The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.
What we offer
- As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
- A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
- Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.
Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.
If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.
Application procedure
The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
CV
- A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
- Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.
Personal letter
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
- An outline of your future goals and research focus.
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.
We welcome your application no later than August 17th 2026
For questions please contact:
Margaret Holme [email protected]
We look forward to your application!
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!
