University Chemistry Assistant in Austria

Hydrogels are extensively used in biomedical applications, where they serve as a versatile platform for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. This project from the Department of Biomolecular & Selforganizing Matter of Johannes Kepler University Linz aims at understanding hierarchical structure-property relationships of bioinspired hydrogels. Using molecularly engineered protein building blocks, combined with fluorescence reporter systems, they will control and monitor crosslink assembly state and hydrogel structure as well as material behavior during mechanical deformation. Their ultimate goal is to develop mechanically controlled and self-reporting hydrogels capable of optically visualizing cell-generated traction forces in a 3D environment. The project is highly interdisciplinary and combines the design of proteins and their thermodynamic and mechanical characterization with single-molecule force spectroscopy, optical microscopy and rheology. The Department of Biomolecular & Selforganizing Matter of Johannes Kepler University Linz fosters a supportive atmosphere that encourages individuals to be themselves, share their experiences, and learn from one another, creating a conducive setting for innovative and creative research.

Duties of the position

The appointee will be expected to perform independent research in the area of self-reporting and self-healing viscoelastic materials with a focus on bioinspired hydrogels; develop new fluorescent reporter systems for monitoring hydrogel structure and mechanical responses; contribute to collaborative research projects within the department and with external partners; publish their findings in international journals and at international conferences; teach practical courses, seminars and exercises within the Physics degree programs at JKU and contribute to organizational tasks in the laboratory and the department in general.

Required selection criteria

Applicants should possess a Doctorate/Ph.D. degree in the area of (Bio)Physics, Physical or Polymer Chemistry, or Materials Science; knowledge and practical experience in the synthesis and characterization of biopolymers and hydrogels, mechanical characterization of molecules and materials as well as optical microscopy and spectroscopy; experience with working in international and interdisciplinary teams, in particular with colleagues in the areas of physics, chemistry, biology and materials science and good command of written and spoken German and English (minimum level B2).

Benefits

The selected candidate will be offered full-time employment (40 hours/week) with a minimum salary of € 4,752.30 gross per month; attractive campus environment with good public transportation connections; continual educational opportunities; state-of-the-art research infrastructure; dynamic research environment; broad range of on-campus dining services/healthy meals (organic food at the cafeteria); exercise and sports classes (USI) and more.

Organisation/Company – Johannes Kepler University

Research Field –

Researcher Profile –

Country – Austria

Application Deadline – 5 June 2024