Postdoc in advanced chemical imaging of bone

Join us at the Division of Microstructure Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, and contribute to advancing our understanding of bone mineral chemistry. About Us At the Division of Microstructure Physics, we study how structure translates into function and governs the properties of both synthetic materials and biological tissues. We use advanced characterization techniques to study materials across multiple length scales, combining tools such as electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, X-ray diffraction, and micro-mechanical testing. This position is based in the research group of Chiara Micheletti, in close collaboration with Mattias Thuvander (Division of Microstructure Physics) and Per Malmberg (Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering). About The Research Project Bone is an organic-inorganic nanocomposite of collagen and mineral whose physicochemical characteristics remain incompletely understood. Despite decades of research, fundamental questions about the chemical nature of bone mineral, including the distribution of minor substituents and compositional heterogeneities, remain open. Addressing these questions requires analytical approaches that can resolve chemistry at the nanoscale within bone's complex tissue architecture. We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance our understanding of bone mineral chemistry by combining time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and atom probe tomography (APT), using state-of-the-art instrumentation available at the Chalmers Materials Analysis Laboratory (CMAL). You will play a central role in establishing a novel correlative analytical platform for nanoscale bone chemistry, working at the intersection of advanced instrumentation and chemical characterization in a biological context. Who We Are Looking For The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or related discipline. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent experimental research
• Either: strong proficiency in APT and/or ToF-SIMS
• Or: demonstrated expertise in bone or mineralized tissue research, combined with proficiency in advanced imaging or spectroscopic characterization (e.g., electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy)

The Following Experience Will Strengthen Your Application

• It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience with FIB instrumentation and FIB-based sample preparation
• Experience with the preparation of biological or mineralized tissue samples for microscopy or mass spectrometry
• Familiarity with bone biology and mineralization
• Demonstrated competence in processing and interpretation of mass spectrometry datasets

What You Will Do

• Develop and optimize a correlative ToF-SIMS and APT workflow for nanoscale chemical characterization of bone, including FIB-based sample preparation strategiesConduct ToF-SIMS and APT experiments at CMAL
• Analyze and interpret multiscale chemical datasets in the context of bone tissue structure and composition
• Disseminate research findings through publications and presentations at conferences
• Collaborate closely with researchers across departments in an interdisciplinary team
• Possibility to engage in teaching and supervision at the 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. 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. Expected start date is early 2027. 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 The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files. CV

• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
• An outline of your future goals and research focus.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. A background check may be conducted as part of the application process. Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview. We welcome your application no later than 6 December 2026. For Questions, Please Contact Dr. Chiara Micheletti Assistant Professor chiara.micheletti@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.