Umeå University - with its 29,000 students and over 4,000 employees - is an organisation in constant change and development. Umeå University conducts groundbreaking research within several areas - several in which we are among the best in the world - within others regarded as the leaders in Sweden. We are one of Sweden’s largest providers of education and offer a broad and attractive range of courses and programmes. Our campus constitutes an inspiring environment for everyone that studies and works here. We wish to co-operate with companies and organisations throughout the Umeå region and all over the world.

PhD Position in Surface Chemistry

Department of Chemistry at Umeå University conducts research in the areas of biological chemistry, environmental biogeochemistry and technical chemistry. The department has a strong focus on interdisciplinary work and has good access to modern analytical instrumentation and facilities.

A PhD position (4 years) in surface chemistry is open in an interdisciplinary collaborative project between the departments of chemistry and clinical bacteriology at Umeå University, as well as the Swedish Defence Research Institute (FOI). The research in the overall project concerns development of antibacterial surfaces that will not harm mammalian cells. The different surfaces produced are tested with respect to their antibacterial effect as well as cytotoxic response on mammalian cells. Within the larger research project, the research for the PhD position will focus on the chemistry of the surfaces. The successful applicant will work on and develop different types of antibacterial surfaces from components such as polymers, small molecules, metal ions and proteins.

Main work description

• Formation, development and characterization of different surface coatings.
  
• Chemical evaluation and characterisation of aging and leaching effects on the surfaces as well as on solutions.
  
• Equilibrium calculations and experiments for determining the speciation of small molecules and ions.
  
• Protein purification and characterization
  

Experience with surface analysis techniques, polymer chemistry, equilibrium calculations and protein purification is a merit. We will also evaluate the candidates with regards to their suitability to the research program, their creativity, power of initiative and ability to collaborate.

The applicants must have:

1. a bachelor university degree in chemistry (or biochemistry), with a minimum of 240 ECTS
   (or equivalent).
   
2. necessary knowledge from higher education or corresponding education and/or special professional experience. This will be assessed in relation to the research area.
   
3. necessary language skills in English, concerning both oral and writing skills.
   

A complete application should include:

• cover letter with your motivation for the position
  
• CV including a list of university courses with grades
  
• a copy of your graduate work
  
• a list of publications or other documents supporting your competence and suitability for the position
  
• names and contact details of two persons willing to act as references
  

The position is scheduled to start 1st February 2010.

The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen chapters 5 and 7). Prerequisites include either i) 240 ECTS credits (swe. högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level) with focus on Chemistry, or ii) 120 Swedish (old) credits (swe. poäng; corresponding to 180 ECTS-credits) of higher education studies if they were taken before July 1, 2007 or equivalent competence.

For more information, contact assistant professor Madeleine Ramstedt, phone +46 (0)90-786 6328, email: madeleine.ramstedt@chem.umu.se (do not send the application to this e-mail address!)

Union information is available from SACO, +46-(0)90-786 53 65, SEKO, +46-(0)90-786 52 96 and ST, +46-(0)90-786 54 31.

Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.

Your complete application, marked with reference number 313-929-09, should be sent to jobb@umu.se or to the Registrar, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden to arrive November 16th, 2009 at the latest.

We look forward to receiving your application!