Postdoc in Biomaterials-based Approach for Stem Cells Differentiation

Are you interested in the interplay between regenerative medicine and materials science?

A postdoctoral position is available at the Biomimetics, Biocarriers and Bioimplants group (The 3Bs) headed by Assoc. Prof. Leticia Hosta-Rigau, DTU Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.

The 3Bs is a highly interdisciplinary and positive group with open-minded and supportive members. The 3Bs research lies on the interface of materials science together with molecular and cell biology. The research focus areas of the group are drug delivery, tissue engineering and cell mimicry.

The 3Bs are well embedded into the Biopharma division, where multiple young research groups work closely together to create a motivating environment.

Within this announced position, we will develop a biomaterials-based approach to direct the differentiation of stem cells (ASCs and iPSCs) towards various/different tissue-specific cells.

The position is available as soon as possible.

Responsibilities and tasks
Stem cells are able to differentiate into any cell type of the human body and, as such, hold tremendous potential in tissue engineering, cell‐replacement therapy and drug screening. However, current differentiation procedures mainly rely on the use of growth factors and/or feeder cells, resulting in heterogeneous cell types, lack of repeatability, immune rejection and contamination.

Since it is now widely accepted that biophysical cues (i.e., topography or matrix‐elasticity) play an equally important role in governing cell’s fate, engineered biomaterials have emerged as a powerful tool to direct stem cell’s fate avoiding (or at least minimizing) the use of the less-safe biochemical factors.

The successful candidate will work in a highly interdisciplinary project in the interface of materials science together with molecular and stem cell biology.

The research project will be focused in the fabrication of a fine-tuned substrate to direct stem cells fate towards tissue-specific cells.

The successful candidate will be responsible of: 

• Engineering and assembling cell substrates with defined topography and deformability
• Conduct a thorough characterization of the as-prepared substrate by means of several techniques
• Assess the potential of the different substrates in promoting stem cells differentiation into various/different cell lineages
• Stem and tissue-specific cell characterization

• Stem cells (ASCs and iPSCs) maintenance and differentiation
• Molecular biology techniques (PCR, qRT-PCR, DNA/RNA and protein purification procedures, western blotting)
• Several of the following techniques: FACS, immunohistochemistry, live-cell imaging, imaging using confocal microscopy, histology

• Have hands on experience working with biomaterials
• Have experience in electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)
• Demonstrate a strong profile for research documented through original publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Diploma (MSc/PhD)
• List of publications
• A detailed list of technical skills (i.e., techniques and instrumentation)