About Malmö University
Malmö University offers almost 100 education programmes and 500 courses. Most of our programmes are vocational and interdisciplinary, especially our multidisciplinary research programmes. We are committed to diversity in employment and take a critical approach to knowledge and the impact of globalisation. Malmö University has about 25 000 students.

About Faculty of Health and Society
The education and research activities in the Faculty of Health and Society aim at contributing to the knowledge base in order to preserve, support and promote people’s physical, psychological, and social health. Research is taking place in areas ranging from science, technology and medicine to social science. At the interfaces between them, exciting new areas for research are being generated. Post-graduate study is currently expanding rapidly. Growing numbers of post-graduates are being enrolled, more scientific tutors and tutors with research backgrounds are being recruited.

From 1 January, the Faculty consists of five departments, among them the Department of Biomedical Science, and a Faculty Office.

Biofilms – Research Center for Biointerfaces
The present position will be a part of the large academic research environment at Malmö University, constituted by the University spanning research center Biofilms – Research Center for Biointerfaces (www.mah.se/biofilms). The overall strategy of Biofilms – Research Center for Biointerfaces is to produce high quality front line research within the biomedical field, to offer relevant and attractive degree programs, and to maintain good reciprocal relations with partner industries and the public sector. The center today comprises four research groups (61 researchers) and offers a truly translational network for applied research collaboration with regional industry. The expertise spans the whole range from mathematical modelling to clinical sciences.

 
Post-doc/Researcher position: Development of high-resolution scanning QCM-D method for studies of hydration of biofilms
The focus of the project will be on developing a high-resolution method for Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) to study interactions of biofilms and biomolecules adsorbed at solid surfaces with water. The method will be used to obtain accurate water sorption isotherms of biomolecules such as proteins and lipids using very small amounts of substances. Using the method, phase and glass transitions in partially hydrated biofilms will be investigated.

The main tasks of the post-doc will be the following:
1. Development of a new high-resolution QCM-D method for studies of hydration of biofilms based on ideas proposed in a granted project application for Biofilms Research Center (details are not specified in this announcement)
2. Performing QCM-D experiments on hydration of biomolecules at controlled relative humidity (water activity)
3. Investigations of viscoelastic properties of biofilms as functions of temperature and water content
4. Investigations of phase transitions in partially hydrated biofilms using QCM-D

Apart from carrying out research within these areas the applicant is expected to take responsibility for the maintenance of the instruments involved and to be active by supervising postgraduate students and fellow scientists in the techniques and participate in teaching at post graduate and graduate level. Teaching at undergraduate level may also to some extent be required.

In addition, the applicant will be expected to take part in applications for external funding to support research activities.

Required Qualifications and Criteria for Assessment of Applicants
Candidates must have demonstrated scientific competence corresponding to a doctoral degree. General competence in surface chemistry, physical chemistry or polymer physics is mandatory. Experience in physical chemistry of biopolymers, hydration, rheology and calorimetry as well as previous hands-on experience in Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) and/or rheological techniques will be strong merits.
 
For more information contact
Vitaly Kocherbitov, Associate Professor, Physical Chemistry
Phone: +46 40 665 79 46, E-mail: vitaly.kocherbitov@mah.se

Form of employment and starting date
Temporary position, starting spring or summer 2012.

Instructions to Applicants
Applications must be submitted to the Registrar, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, S-205 06 Malmö, Sweden, citing the reference number given below. The application should be signed and posted to the Registrar or sent by e-mail to registrator.hs@mah.se. To be considered, the application should have arrived before the application deadline.

 
An application should contain the following:
1. A brief summary of research experience and scientific qualifications relevant to the position
2. Attested copies of certificates
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
4. List of scientific publications and developed teaching materials
5. Copies of three of your most relevant scientific publications
6. At least two letters of reference

Last date for applications:
March 20th, 2012
 
Trade union representatives
SACO-S, Mona Olshed, phone +46 40 665 74 67
LF, Ann-Marie Wangel, phone +46 40 665 74 55
TCO/ST-ATF, Evelina Mildner Lindén, phone +46 40 665 70 86