IRP14—materials science, general or polymer chemistry, surface chemistry and physics, fibers and composites technology

Research topic:	Nano fibrous materials for advanced biomedical applications—wound healing
Recruiting organization:	University of Maribor Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Laboratory for Characterization and Processing of Polymers (LCPP) Smetanova ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Application deadline:	March 11th 2018
Starting time:	June 2018 or as mutually agreed (1-2 months changes to the intended starting time are possible)
Contract duration:	36 months
Benefits	Slovenia has a comprehensive welfare system including social insurance. More details about the country can also be found on the EU-Commission webpage for Slovenia.
With about 25 000 students the University of Maribor  is located in the second largest Slovenian city not far from the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. At the Laboratory for Characterization and Processing of Polymers (LCPP)  an international and interdisciplinary research team works on the advancement of biopolymer material science with the aim of new applications in medicine and the bio based economy. ITN students will work in new laboratory facilities opened in 2015 and 2018.

 

Scientific content

The objective of this project is to prepare nano- and micro-fibrous systems with specific functionalities to be used as advanced wound healing materials. Electro- and wet spinning processes will be developed and utilized to obtain 3D biofibrous structures with incorporated or surface bound bio-active ingredients (natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and pain relief drugs, anti-microbial agents, bioactive peptides, proteins/enzymes). Different polysaccharides (hyaluronic acid, sulphated polysaccharides, dextrans, alginates) and their derivatives will be influencing in that way the migration of cells and the healing of chronic wounds. The polysaccharide based fibrous systems will be designed to ensure biocompatibility, controlled release of active substances, defined swelling and moisture control, bio-degradation and mechanical properties. The project will include detailed morphological, physicochemical and mechanical characterization of the developed materials. Primary aim is a good understanding of structure vs. release and biological efficacy relation of the produced materials and the control of the production parameters leading to these advanced properties.

Results:

• Preparation and characterization of electro, wet and dry spun micro- and nano-fibres based on natural polysaccharides and their derivatives in combination with synthetic polymers for advanced wound healing,
• incorporation and surface immobilization of bio-active substances (anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory and pain relief drugs or anti-microbial agents, bioactive peptides, proteins),
• functional properties of the developed materials: morphology, release profile, mechanical properties, antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, biocompatibility and promotion of wound healing.

 

The general requirements for all FibreNet positions apply here, i.e.:

• you may already be in a PhD program but you cannot be a PhD holder,
• you must have less than 4 years of research experience, i.e., you should be an early-stage researcher,
• you must not have resided or carried out your main activity in the country of the hiring organization for more than 12 months during the last 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment (short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account), and
• you should have a high-level knowledge of the English language.

 

Furthermore, the position-related requirements are:

• Master’s degree in materials science, general or polymer chemistry, surface chemistry and physics, fibres and composites technology, skills or degrees in biomedical science and cell testing are highly beneficial,
• enrollment as a doctoral student at University of Maribor (UM) within four months is mandatory,
• positive attitude to both analytical and practical research work,
• the ability to work independently as a member of UM research team and of the FibreNet community.

 

How to apply:

Applications must be sent electronically per email in pdf format to MSc Danica Svetec, danica.svetec@um.si

 

Mandatory appendices:

• a Curriculum Vitae,
• a letter of motivation (maximum of one page),
• the contact details of two referees,
• a copy of B.Sc. and M.Sc. certificates with annexes,
• a language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge Language Certificate (Proficiency CPE or Advanced CAE) if available, and
• list or peer reviewed scientific publications if available

For more information on:

• the research topic (scientific content), contact the supervisors: Assist. Prof. Rupert Kargl or Prof. Karin Stana Kleinschek
• the application procedure: MSc Danica Svetec

 

In case no suitable candidates are found, University of Maribor reserves the right to re-open the call.