Postdoc in diagnostic sensors based on bio-functionalized graphene

Do you want to contribute to exciting research in the field of infection diagnostics? Then this postdoc position at Chalmers University of Technology might be the right one for you. The Mijakovic lab is offering a 24-month fixed term postdoctoral position to a motivated candidate with experience in linker chemistry and graphene functionalization, and interest in working with infection diagnostics. With us, you will experience a dynamic and supportive work environment, at the interface of academia and industry, with a major industrial partner (Mölnlycke Health Care) committed to collaboration on this project. About us  At the Department of Life Sciences, we bring together biology and technology to develop sustainable solutions for the future — from food and medicine to energy — driven by curiosity, creativity, and scientific excellence. The Mijakovic lab started out as a microbiology group, but as our ambitions and curiosity grew, we expanded into several other areas of life science, often using interdisciplinary approaches. Today, in addition to general bacteriology, we work with applications of various nanomaterials in biomedicine and biotechnology, metabolic engineering of microbial cell factories and experimental evolution. Our work is focused on societal challenges related to human and planertary health. About the research project   This postdoc project involves a collaboration between the Mijakovic lab and Mölnlycke Health Care (MHC), a world-leading producer and distributer of wound care products. The aim of the project is to functionalize existing graphene-based field effect transistor sensors with biological receptors for infection biomarkers, and optimize this technology for diagnosing infections in the wound settings. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will develop methods to functionalize graphene with a range of bio-receptors (aptamers, antibodies, Cas9) while maintaining its exceptional sensing properties. Together with other team members, you will contribute to benchmarking and optimizing sensors for infection diagnostics. You will be part of an interdisciplinary research environment at Chalmers and collaborate closely with experts from MHC.   Who we are looking for  The following requirements are mandatory:  • To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree in chemistry, materials science, physics or other related discipline awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline*.   • You will need strong written and verbal communication skills in English  • Experience with graphene functionalization   • Ability to work as a part of an interdisciplinary team • Ability to plan and execute scientific studies from conception to implementation, including paper writing You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.  *The date on your doctoral degree certificate is considered the official date of completion. Exceptions to the three-year eligibility limit may be made for documented circumstances such as parental leave, sick leave, or military service.  The following experience will strengthen your application:  • Experience with fluidics/microfluidics to explore sample transportation to the sensor. What you will do  • Develop methods for functionalizing graphene with various bio-receptors (aptamers, antibodies, Cas9) while preserving its sensing capabilities • In collaboration with other group members, you will contribute to benchmarking and optimization of sensors for infection diagnostics • You will work within an interdisciplinary group at Chalmers, and will regularly interact with experts from Mölnlycke Health Care • Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent  • Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level  The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.  Contract terms   The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.  The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.  What we offer  • As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.  • A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.  • Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.  Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.  If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.  Application procedure  For information about the application procedure, please refer to the advert on Chalmers' webpage.  We welcome your application no later than December 5th, 2025. For questions please contact:  Prof. Ivan Mijakovic, SysBio, ivan.mijakovic@chalmers.se We look forward to your application!  *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***   Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.  Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.