Postdoctoral Researcher in novel electro-optical nanostructured biosensors at University of Oulu

We are now looking for

a postdoctoral researcher in novel electro-optical nanostructured biosensors

to join a multi-disciplinary team led by tenure-track Assistant Professor Jian-An Huang in the Faculty of Medicine and 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:

• Centre for Material Analysis Research Infrastructure
• Biocenter Oulu

About the job

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

1. Single-molecule biosensors. We aim to combine active feedback automatic control with plasmonic nanopores for electric manipulation of single biomolecules (peptide, protein, DNA) in biofluids for single-molecule Raman analysis and sequencing.
2. Wearable optical sweat sensors. We aim to integrate iontophoresis on a microfluidic chip with plasmonic nanoholes or nanopillars for non-invasive surface enhanced Raman scattering detection of metabolite molecules in sweat.

As a highly motivated candidate, you should have a strong background in the field of patch-clamp amplifier, solid-state nanopore sensors, nanostructured metamaterials, and/or surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic biosensors.

In addition, you 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 selected applicant is also expected to apply for personal funding.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of 10 people 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 here.
• 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.

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.
• The candidates should have good written and verbal English skills.
• 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) and cleanroom equipment (e.g. photo lithography, physical vapor deposition of metals and dielectrics, Reactive Ion Etch, Focused Ion Beam) as demonstrated in high-impact publication are essential.
• Experience in patch-clamp amplifier, electric resistance pulse sensing, digital electronic device (e.g. FPGA or microcontroller), or 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 01.09.2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on the levels 5 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. 3100 € per month (before taxes).  

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

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 09.07.2023 (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: http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae
2. A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) describing how your expertise is relevant to the research projects of wearable sweat sensors and single-molecule biosensors as well as your career plan.
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland: https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/how-to-apply-for-funding/az-index-of-application-guidelines2/list-of-publications/
4. Certificates/Diplomas: photocopy of your doctoral degree certificate
5. Contact details of 2 persons available for recommendation.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview from 19.06.2023. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from various 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