BioInspired! So What? Now What!

The Centre for Biofouling Research at St. Francis Xavier University (Nova Scotia, Canada) invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in new antifouling technologies. The position will be at the core of our research program to combine biomimetic and novel chemical antimicrobial coatings on surfaces to combat marine biofouling. We are looking for motivated and independent individuals with academic career goals, leadership skills, and interest in hands-on participation in the lab as well as in contributing to mentorship of both undergraduate and graduate students working on the project.

Applicants should have a PhD in a related field of science, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: biofouling, biofilms, spectroscopy, microscopy, biomimetics, cationic anti-microbial peptides, or polymer synthesis. Experience working in a multidisciplinary environment would also be an asset.

The goal of the Centre for Biofouling Research is to generate cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions to manage biofouling using an interdisciplinary approach. Our research team, with members from Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, is tackling the problem of reducing biofouling, from a number of different angles. These include modeling the molecular basis of biofilm attachment and how that can be disrupted, synthesis of novel coatings that inhibit biofilm formation, analysis of naturally fouling-resistant surfaces, construction of similar surface topographies and combining them with the chemical coatings, assessment of macrofouler responses to the different surface modifications, and finally both lab and field testing of our designs to make them ready for industry.

The full-time position will begin with an initial contract for 1 year, renewable for 1 year (or more, pending funding) based on performance. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience, and both benefits and coverage of moving expenses may also be available. In addition, candidates will be encouraged to apply for external funds to augment support for the research program. The position is subject to budgetary approval.

Review of applications will begin Mar 1, 2011. 

For more information, see http://sites.stfx.ca/biofouling/sites/sites.stfx.ca.biofouling/files/CBR_Postdoc_Ad01.pdf