Postdoc in Biomaterials-based Approach for Stem Cells Differentiation
Thursday 07 Feb 19
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Apply no later than 1 March 2019
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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
Qualifications
Candidates should have a PhD degree or equivalent and documented experience
in:
- 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
Preference will be given to candidates that:
- 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
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the
excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We
offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We
strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial
respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and terms
of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the
Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed
upon with the relevant union. The initial contract will be for one year.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further
information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Leticia
Hosta-Rigau, leri@dtu.dk.
You can read more about DTU Health Tech on www.healthtech.dtu.dk.
Application
procedure
Please submit your online application no later than 1 March 2019 (local time). To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the
online application form. The following must be attached in English:
- Application (cover letter)
- CV
- Diploma (MSc/PhD)
- List of publications
- A detailed list of technical skills (i.e., techniques
and instrumentation)
Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be
considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race,
religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
The DTU Health
Technology Department located at the so-called “Medicon Valley”, is an
international-class research platform where around 300 researchers work
together to provide new technology and new solutions to improve the quality of
patient care and public health and well-being.
DTU is a
technical university providing internationally leading research, education,
innovation and scientific advice. Our staff of 6,000 advance science and
technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society, and
our 11,200 students are being educated to address the technological challenges
of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry,
government and public agencies.