Position Description
The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) of the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), in the frame of the project “Functional Nanoclusters for Multimodal Imaging of Atherosclerosis” (LaMiA), funded under the “Theodore Papazoglou FORTH Synergy Grants”, is seeking to recruit one (1) post-doctoral researcher.
The successful candidate will devise nanochemistry methods for hybrid nanocrystal cluster structures, where coupled physical responses of plasmonic and superparamagnetic nature will enable novel contrast agents (CAs) for biomedical imaging.
The overall study aims at cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The high mortality is mainly caused by coronary atherosclerosis and associated stroke. This emphasizes the need to improve early detection. Since this lipid-driven disease, results in atherosclerotic plaques on the artery walls, a major challenge for medical imaging is the development of appropriate CAs, which can resolve vulnerable plaques. As molecular imaging can detect better via coupled magneto-plasmonic properties, nanoclusters with efficient bioconjugation will be developed to target molecular markers resting at early atherosclerotic lesions and thus assist in therapeutic pathways.
The work is part of collaborative research that combines the know-how of three groups within FORTH, working in cross-disciplinary fields (materials science, bioengineering and tissue engineering), aiming to develop a fully characterized new multimodal nanoscale particle assembly that will serve as contrast agent. The research effort is organized to facilitate a resource-sharing culture to tackle open questions that will increase sensitivity and specificity in the early detection of atherosclerotic lesions by exploiting photoacoustic (PAI) and magnetic (MRI) resonance imaging techniques.
For the full announcement, follow the link "Related Documents"
Required Qualifications
- PhD degree in Chemistry or Materials Science
- Demonstrated ability in surfactant-assisted nanomaterials growth (e.g. colloidal chemistry)
- Proven experience in analytical experimental techniques (e.g. UV-vis, FT-IR, XRD, TEM)
- Excellent knowledge of the English language
- Greek male candidate must have fulfilled their military obligations
Desirable Qualifications
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals and scientific presentations in conferences
- MSc degree in biochemistry will be an advantage
- Successful candidates must be able to work in an interdisciplinary environment
Application Procedure
Applications received before October 4th, 2021 will receive immediate attention; however, applications will be reviewed thereafter until the position is filled.
Interested candidates who meet the aforementioned requirements are kindly asked to submit their applications to the address (hr@iesl.forth.gr), with cc to the Scientific Coordinator Dr Alexandros Lappas (lappas@iesl.forth.gr).
Videoconference interviews will be offered to shortlisted candidates.
In order to be considered, the application must include:
- Application Form (Form Greek or Form English to the left)
- A cover letter describing your research interests
- CV and publications list
- Two (2) reference letters, e-mailed directly to lappas@iesl.forth.gr and cc to hr@iesl.forth.gr
- Scanned copies of the ready available academic titles
- Proof of English language qualification
