Postdoctoral fellowship in Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences

CALL FOR COMPETITION FOR A POSITION

 

Position for postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, Lithuania is available.

A New Way to Functionalize Calcium Hydroxyapatite Bioceramics: A Path from a Biocompatible Material to Advanced Functional Materials with Antibacterial Properties

Deadline for applications is 10th of May 2025.

 

About the project:

The two-year postdoc fellowship project will focus on developing next-generation bioceramic composites for periodontal disease prevention and clinical applications. Research will be carried out under the supervision of assoc. prof. dr. Inga Grigoravičiūtė.

The development of high-quality antibacterial calcium phosphate (CP) bioceramics remains a major challenge in modern science and technology. Innovative solutions in this field are crucial for providing surgeons with dental, knee, and hip implants that not only offer excellent biocompatibility but also possess antibacterial properties.

Synthetic calcium hydroxyapatite (HA) is one of the most widely used CP bioceramics for bone tissue reconstruction. Meanwhile, functional fungi—known for their ability to support the body's stress response, enhance energy levels, and strengthen the immune system—also exhibit promising properties. Their antioxidant and cytotoxic effects help fight harmful oxidation processes and eliminate harmful cells. Recent studies suggest that hybrid organic-inorganic composites combining CPs with bioactive compounds from functional fungi could serve as highly effective tools in combating dental caries and periodontitis. Such antibacterial biomaterials could not only reduce periodontitis but also control bacterial growth, minimize periodontal pocket size, and promote bone regeneration.

The aim of this project is to develop specifically designed composite granules made from HA and functional fungal reagents, intended for implantation between bone and gum tissue, to enhance bone and connective tissue regeneration while simultaneously controlling bacterial activity, thereby advancing bioceramic materials for medical applications.

Enquiries regarding this position should be addressed to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Inga Grigoravičiūtė by e-mail .

 

Official Salary: 3 096 Eur/per month (before tax).

Workload: 1 full-time work post.

 

Requirements for a candidate:

• PhD in chemistry, material sciences or a related discipline completed during the last 5 years (the 5-year period does not include the duration of granted pregnancy, maternal ot parental leave).
• The dissertation must be defended outside Vilnius University.
• Proficiency in English (both written and oral).
• Research background in CP-based biomaterials.

 

What we expect in a candidate:

• Research interests in bioceramics, calcium phosphates, carbonate apatites, or related fields.
• Publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in international research projects.
• Methodological skills (sufficient knowledge to carry out synthesis and characterization of materials by methods most commonly used for bioceramics, such as XRD, FTIR, SEM, histological evaluation of biomaterials and others).
• Interests in teaching with supervisory skills.
• Good organizational skills, easy adaptation to different environments of work and to a new international team.

 

We offer you:

• The opportunity to conduct independent research on specific questions of your interest within this field.
• Access to national and international collaborations, teaching opportunities, project work, and other professional development prospects.
• Administrative support, including state-of-the-art equipment, project management assistance, conferences, and participation in summer schools, etc.
• A position at Vilnius University, a prestigious institution recognized for excellence in science and education in Lithuania.

 

Applicants are required to provide the following documents:

• Application form.
• Free-form description of life and scientific activities (CV).
• List of scientific publications (list up to 10 of your most important publications).
• Recommendations from two researchers.
• Copy of Certificate of PhD degree.

 

All documents shall be submitted to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Inga Grigoravičiūtė with ‘Postdoctoral fellowship in Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences’ in the subject line.