PhD Position in Remodelling Tissue: The Neuro-Mechanical Modeling and Engineering Lab is offering a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant-funded PhD position for the project ROBOREACTOR. This opportunity entails in-depth research on the characterization of structural remodelling in tissue-engineered human skeletal muscles during multi-week eccentric training. The successful applicant will play a pivotal role in laying the foundation for developing groundbreaking regenerative robotic technologies to restore movement after neuromuscular injuries, in conjunction with investigating the biological structural remodelling of skeletal muscles exposed to electrical and mechanical stimuli over several weeks.
PhD Position in Characterization of Structural Remodelling in Tissue-Engineered Human Skeletal Muscles in Vitro during Multi-Week Eccentric Training
Designation: PhD Candidate Fellow
Research Area: Characterization of structural remodelling in tissue-engineered human skeletal muscles in vitro during multi-week eccentric training
Location: Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification:
- A strong background in the physiology of skeletal muscles
- Experience with cell culture for engineering muscle tissues in vitro from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)
- Proficiency in tissue analysis techniques such as histological analyses, qPCR, staining, and microscopy
- Competence in computational modeling of muscle force generation and structural remodelling
- Proficient in programming and coding in languages such as Matlab, Python, and C++
- Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills, along with high motivation and excellent oral and written communication abilities
- Ability to coordinate undergraduate and graduate students
- Proficiency in written and oral English
Job Description:
The selected candidate will be responsible for designing four-week eccentric training protocols for pacing the tissue-engineered muscles and analyzing the morphological remodeling of these tissues over time, including the genesis of sarcomeres in parallel and in series, phenotype transition between fast and slow types, and changes in tissue force-generating capacity. Additionally, the candidate will learn to use computational modeling to predict how tissue-engineered muscles remodel during the 4-week eccentric training. The work will be facilitated by in-house expertise and mentorship, involving collaboration with top scientists on muscle-on-a-chip, statistical modeling, and other impactful research aspects.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are required to apply by August 18th, 2024, through the web platform. The application must include a CV, motivation letter, and/or list of publications. The first interview is scheduled to take place in the week of September the 2nd, and the start of the contract is expected as soon as possible and no later than December 2024. For any inquiries or questions, please contact Prof. Massimo Sartori via email at m.sartori@utwente.nl.
Last Date for Apply: August 18th, 2024
