PhD position/Forskarutbildningsstöd in Chemistry
Topic “Analytical Chemistry: Microarray Electrodes and Enzyme Electrodes for In Vivo Analysis”
Department of Chemistry, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Final date for application: March 2, 2009.

Project description: The project will involve development of electrochemistry at array microelectrodes for analysis at biological targets ranging from single cells to tissues and small organisms like the fruit fly, Drosophila. A primary focus will be to develop enzyme-based electrodes with different selectivity on each electrode in the array. Part of this might involve development of in vivo electrochemistry in the nanoliter environment of the brain of the fruit fly and other tissues. One goal will be to investigate the fundamental molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release to better understand cell-to-cell communication and regulation. The analytical part of the research will include development of techniques for simultaneous monitoring of several compounds including neurotransmitters, hormones, glucose, oxygen, and pH. These sensors might also be used to determine tumour markers or the activity of specific enzymes and their possible application for disease screening. The successful candidate will also have an opportunity to work with others on projects involving array detection schemes with optical and mass spectrometry imaging techniques to examine topics ranging from cell-to-cell communication in a network of cells to the spatial arrangement of lipids in single cells.

Terms of employment: The 4-year PhD program includes 3 years of research and one year of course work (60 ETCS-points). These positions will be extended by one year if 20% teaching assistance and administration is included in the contract. If so, successful applicants will be expected to teach in a Scandinavian language and in English.

Qualifications: Candidates should have read at least three semesters in Chemistry with a degree in Chemistry or equivalent area of science. Preference will be given to those with experience in multidisciplinary work and potential/proven ability to publish in English in peer-reviewed journals. Candidates should preferably be available by April 1, 2009.

Further information on the announced position may be obtained from
Assistant Prof. Gulnara Safina, email to Gulnara.Safina@chem.gu.se
or Prof. Andrew G. Ewing, or email to Andrew.Ewing@chem.gu.se

Application, labelled, ref. no. B 311 4645/08-ak1 including a cover letter, CV, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic record (all attested), a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant’s qualifications, and any other relevant documents (e.g. Master or Project Thesis), must be submitted to the following address no later than March 2, 2009:

Dept. of Chemistry,
Prof. Andrew G Ewing
University of Gothenburg,
SE -412 96 Göteborg, SWEDEN

Union representatives: SACO Martin Björkman, tel +46-31-786 3608; SEKO Lennart Olsson, tel +46-31-786 1173; OFR Astrid Igerud, tel +46-31-786 1167.