Postdoctoral researcher in wearable plasmonic biosensors for sweat diagnosis - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral researcher

in wearable plasmonic biosensors for sweat diagnosis to join a multi-disciplinary team led by tenure-track Assistant Professor Jian-An Huang in the research unit of Health Science and Technology (HST), Faculty of Medicine and research unit of Disease Networks (DN), Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu to develop novel electro-optical biosensing devices with ultrahigh sensitivity up to single-molecule level. Jian-An holds a PhD degree in physics and materials science and the position of Academy Research Fellow (2022-2027) to develop single-molecule protein sequencing technology.

Jian-An's group combines plasmonic nanostructures (nanotube, nanopore, nanopillar) with molecular manipulation methods for single-cell, single-particle and single-molecule biosensing toward digital healthcare and personalized medicine. We provide access to state-of-the-art micro- and nanofabrication facilities, characterization facilities and biological facilities. For more information, please visit:

https://www.oulu.fi/cmnt/

https://www.oulu.fi/biocenter/

About the job

Your main duties will be fabrication, characterization, measurements and data analysis of wearable plasmonic biosensing devices for the projects:

1. Wearable Lab-in-a-watch Optical Sensor that aims to develop a wearable optical sensor on skin by integrating an electro-plasmonic chip into an optical watch that together allows controllable sweat stimulation and on-watch continuous detection of the sweat glucose.
2. Wearable surface-enhanced Raman sensor that aims to integrate plasmonic nanopillars for non-invasive surface enhanced Raman scattering detection and apply machine learning analysis to detect various metabolite molecules and monitoring of physiological conditions in sport and exercise science.

As a highly motivated candidate, you should have a strong background and relevant publications in the field of nanofabrication, wearable sensors, plasmonic sensors and/or surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic biosensors.

In addition, the applicant will be involved in group management, participate in relevant seminars and conferences, write research documentation and reports, and perform teaching duties at the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine.

The position is a fixed term contract for 2 years. The selected applicant is expected to apply for personal funding to advance their research career.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic HST and DN research units where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits.
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have a HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, excellent education system, and competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

• You must have a doctoral degree in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science or related field that was awarded a maximum of 8 years ago.
• You should have good written and verbal English skills similar to the level of IELTS 6.5.
• Ability to pursue independent research, work productively in a team of various backgrounds, and supervise younger scientists are essential.
• Strong experience in micro-/nanofabrication approaches (e.g. Nanosphere lithography, nanoimprint, or Focused Ion Beam) and cleanroom equipment (e.g. photo lithography, physical vapor deposition of metals and dielectrics, Reactive Ion Etch) as demonstrated in high-impact publication are essential.
• Experience in multivariate, machine learning data analysis will be considered a plus.
• Excellent presentation and writing ability together with publication of original scientific work in high-quality journals will be highly valued.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 2 years as of 01.12.2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 5-6 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 3200 - 3700 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied in the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 29.10.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity.
2. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) that describes your motivation, how your expertise is relevant to the research projects and your career plan without repeating your CV.
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland.
4. Certificates/Diplomas: a photocopy of your PhD degree certificate
5. Contact details of 2 persons available for recommendation.

Applicants without relevant background might be required to provide a research proposal. The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from different backgrounds, such as people of different ages, different genders and members of different language, cultural or minority groups. 

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact [Dr. Jian-An Huang: Jianan.huang@oulu.fi]