Ivan Mijakovic

This postdoctoral position at Chalmers University of Technology offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in infection diagnostics through the development of bio-functionalized graphene-based sensors. Hosted by the Mijakovic lab within the Department of Life Sciences, the project is a collaboration with Mölnlycke Health Care, a global leader in wound care products. The research aims to functionalize graphene field effect transistor sensors with biological receptors such as aptamers, antibodies, and Cas9, optimizing these devices for the detection of infection biomarkers in wound settings. The Mijakovic lab is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating biology, nanomaterials, biomedicine, and biotechnology to address societal challenges in human and planetary health. The lab’s expertise spans bacteriology, metabolic engineering, and experimental evolution, providing a dynamic and supportive environment for innovative research. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will develop and refine methods for graphene functionalization, ensuring the preservation of its exceptional sensing properties. You will collaborate closely with both academic and industrial partners, contributing to benchmarking and optimization of sensor performance for real-world diagnostic applications. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related discipline, awarded within three years prior to the application deadline (exceptions for parental, sick, or military leave may apply). Essential qualifications include strong English communication skills, hands-on experience with graphene functionalization, and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams. Experience with fluidics or microfluidics is highly desirable, as is a demonstrated ability to plan and execute scientific studies from conception to publication. The position also involves supervising master’s and/or PhD students and offers opportunities for teaching at undergraduate or master’s levels. This is a full-time, fixed-term employment for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension. Physical presence in Sweden is required throughout the contract, and a valid residence permit must be presented before the start date. Chalmers University of Technology provides a vibrant working environment in Gothenburg, with comprehensive employee benefits, including generous parental leave, subsidized childcare, free education, and healthcare. The university is committed to gender equality and diversity, offering initiatives such as the GENIE project and Swedish language courses for international staff. To apply, submit your application via the Chalmers job portal by February 6th, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Ivan Mijakovic at [email protected]. This position is ideal for candidates seeking to advance their careers in academia, industry, or the public sector, and to make a meaningful impact on the future of medical diagnostics.

The Mijakovic lab at Chalmers SysBio, part of the Department of Life Sciences at Chalmers University of Technology, is seeking a postdoctoral fellow for an innovative project focused on AI-driven development of inhibitors for bacterial protein-tyrosine kinases (BY-kinases). This interdisciplinary and international group offers a supportive, collaborative, and dynamic working environment in Gothenburg, Sweden. The research project centers on BY-kinases, which regulate bacterial biofilm formation and are promising targets for new antibiotics due to their lack of human homologues. Building on a recent discovery of natural BY-kinase inhibition via protein-protein interactions, the lab aims to develop synthetic inhibitors capable of preventing biofilm formation in various bacterial pathogens. The successful candidate will use generative AI and computational biology techniques to design, test, and optimize these inhibitors, working closely with an experimental biologist and other lab members. The Department of Life Sciences at Chalmers conducts research, innovation, and education to enable a biobased society and improve human health. The Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology brings together biologists, chemists, mathematicians, and engineers to understand and quantitatively describe the complex functioning of living organisms, developing technologies that contribute to human and planetary health. Applicants must have a doctoral degree or equivalent in computational biology or related disciplines by the time of employment decision. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory. Experience with generative AI applied to biological questions is required. Additional experience in molecular biology, protein structures, and bacterial infections will strengthen the application. The position requires physical presence in Gothenburg throughout the employment, and a valid residence permit must be presented by the start date. The postdoctoral position is a full-time, two-year employment with all employee benefits at Chalmers University of Technology, including salary, healthcare, parental leave, subsidized day care, and other benefits. Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects such as the GENIE Initiative. Swedish courses are offered to help international staff settle in. To apply, prepare your application in English and attach as PDF files (CV, personal letter, research summary, future goals). Use the application form link provided to submit your documents. Ensure your application is complete; incomplete applications and those sent by email will not be considered. Contact details for references will be requested after the interview. The application deadline is 15 May 2026. For questions, contact Prof. Ivan Mijakovic at [email protected]. The Mijakovic lab looks forward to your application and to welcoming a new postdoctoral fellow to contribute to cutting-edge research in AI-driven drug design and bacterial biofilm inhibition.