PhD Scholarship in Mesenchymal Stem cell-Immune cell interaction in a lung microfluidics model

Application(s) are invited from suitably qualified candidates for full-time funded PhD scholarship(s) starting in October 2024 as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellows (DFs) with CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway.

MedDevDoc is an advanced Industry-Academia Training, Career Development, and Mobility Fellowship Programme.

University of Galway

Located in the vibrant cultural city of Galway in the west of Ireland, the University of Galway has a distinguished reputation for teaching and research excellence

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Detailed Project Mesenchymal stem cell therapy can foster immune modulation and tissue repair in acute lung injury thereby promoting recovery. For clinical trials on MSC’s, the timing and route for administration remains to be established. Microfluidics offer the granularity required to understand disease mechanisms, linking conventional cell culture and in vivo models. Our aim is to simulate the human lung under acute lung injury conditions and develop near patient testing system based-microfluidic devices that provides insight on MSC- immune modulation to direct timing of treatment in a clinical trial. The fellow will link with a diagnostic company to accelerate clinical applicability of device development. You can learn more about our vision, research platforms, a consortium of academic and industry partners, Science policy and advocacy, and public engagement on our website CÚRAM - CÚRAM (curamdevices.ie). MedDevDoc is an advanced Industry-Academia Training, Career Development, and Mobility Fellowship Programme. MedDevDoc fellows will collaborate and integrate with multidisciplinary teams to provide the training ground for designing and manufacturing next-generation devices and implants. Further information can be found in the Detailed Guide for Applicants to MedDevDoc and Quick Guide for Applicants to MedDevDoc are available at: https://curamdevices.ie/curam/research/meddevdoc/application-&-selectio….

Living allowance (Stipend):

 per month, [tax-exempt scholarship award]

University fees: PhD fees will be covered by University of Galway As part of the award

Start date: November 2024

Academic Entry Requirements:

Prior knowledge on fluid mechanics, microfluidics, microscopy, and experience in image and data analysis are considered an advantage for this position.

As per the MSCA definition:

•          MedDevDoc are open to candidates who have a 1st class or a 2:1 honour first degree and have/are due to obtain a Master’s in Biomaterials, Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Engineering, Cell Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline from different genders and nationalities. They must not already own a doctoral degree. Medical Doctors are also invited to apply if they can demonstrate an understanding of the clinical or life sciences research process.

•          All applicants for whom first language is not English must present an English language qualification taken within two years before the application (Suggested English language qualifications include IELTS, Cambridge C1 Advanced, Cambridge C2 Advanced, TOEFL iBT/TOEFL iBT Home Edition, Pearson PTE and Duolingo)

•          Comply with the MSCA mobility rule: have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Ireland for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before the submission deadline.  Compulsory national service and short stays such as holidays are not considered.

Please note:

•          MedDevDoc Fellowships are open to candidates of any nationality.  Please see Employment Permits - University of Galway for further information.

•          MedDevDoc welcomes applications from candidates with racial diversity, minority ethnic com-munities, women, disabilities, and Researchers at Risk. Please see: Guidelines for Inclusion of Researchers at Risk | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (europa.eu), for further information.

To Apply for the Scholarship:

najmeh.abtahi@universityofgalway.ie/ https://curamdevices.ie/curam/research/meddevdoc/application---selectio…

https://meddevdoc2024.exordo.com/login

Contact Name: Dr Bairbre McNicholas/Dr Mihai Lomora

Contact Email:

Applicants should submit by email, at bmcnicholas@universityofgalway.ie/ mihai.lomora@universityofgalway.ie

1.         A motivation letter (1-page) outlining their suitability for the post

2.         A detailed CV (max. 3 pages) including the applicant's academic and research

             achievements

3.         Contact details of two referees

Application Deadline: March 19th 2024and time [17:00] (Irish time 24hr format)

Primary Supervisor name (if applicable): Dr Mihai Lomora and Dr Bairbre McNicholas