Researcher in Biomicrofluidics for 3D cell model prototyping

School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health at 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.

We now offer a Researcher position in biomicrofluidics for prototype development of 3D cell models and related microfluidics for drug development at KTH Nanobiotechnology at the Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab). The group focuses on droplet microfluidics and automation for 3D micro-tissue models and high-throughput screening.

Job description

The project centers on research with commercial application potential and is carried out in collaboration with an international pharmaceutical industry partner and academic partner in precision medicine. The aim of the project is to produce and characterize human 3D micro-tissue models at the scale needed for early drug development using a new droplet microfluidic platform. Additional aims include the development of handling and distribution formats to utilize the 3D micro-tissue models on a commercial scale. 3D micro-tissue models mimic the drug response from real tissue better than individual cells or 2D tissue models, but have not yet been produced at the scale needed for high-throughput screening. The technologies developed in this project will enable 3D micro-tissues to be used by the pharmaceutical industry. The Researcher will primarily work at SciLifeLab Stockholm, but frequent travel to our lab at AstraZeneca BioventureHub in Gothenburg is expected.

The successful candidate will perform work at the interface between tissue engineering, microfluidics and automation, including:

• production of large-scale 3D tissues using drip microfluidics technology
• characterization and validation of human 3D micro-tissue
• development of prototypes for handling and distribution of 3D micro-tissue for drug screening
• support innovation and ideas for grant proposals

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
• An interdisciplinary and applied project in close collaboration with researchers from Karolinska Institutet and an international pharmaceutical company.
• 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 within an area relevant to the employment, e.g. Biotechnology, Chemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Microfluidics.
• a strong research background and scientific skillset in at least one of the following areas:

– design and implementation of life science applications,

– design and implementation of microfluidic applications,

– work with mammalian cells / tissue and biotechnological instrument technology

– other related research field that we deem relevant.

As a person:

You are driving and motivated You possess excellent abilities to express yourself in English in both speech and writing. You have a professional approach and excellent problem solving skills You are able to work independently You are skilled at collaboration with scientists within the own and nearby research fields

Preferred qualifications

Knowledge and skills that are meritorious for the position:

a strong interest in and / or experience in the commercialization of life science or medical technology experience with programming and/or laboratory automation. Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality. Teaching abilities e.g. through supervision of students

Great emphasis will be placed on personal competency.