PhD position - Manipulating stem cell differentiation using electric field.

Looking for candidates to apply for a PhD position to join my newly established laboratory.

Project title: Manipulating stem cell differentiation using electric fields

Short description: Inflammation plays a key regulatory role in the resolution of a trauma, and an altered inflammatory response can lead to delays or increased rates of complications. This is particularly the case for patients with metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus), chronic inflammation due to aging and cancer, for whom bone healing is impaired. Endogenous electrical signals play an instructive role in many cellular behaviors. Researchers are starting to demonstrate that by adopting electroactive materials and applying external electrical stimuli it is possible to modulate cell fate and behavior leading to potential innovative therapeutic approaches.

This project will help understand the bioelectric code that regulates the behavior and commitment of stem cell differentiating into bone-forming cells and monocyte commitment towards pro- or anti-inflammatory macrophages. It will do so by adopting a multidisciplinary approach including bioelectronics, in vitro 3D models, cell biology, high-resolution imaging. The project will contribute to establishing in vitro models allowing the manipulation and control of bone progenitors cells and inflammatory cells via electrical/electromagnetic stimulation in a 3D environment.

Collaborations. Close collaborations in the fields of materials/surface characterization, cell biology and imaging techniques will be explored with national and international laboratories. Dr Darius Widera (University of Reading, UK) will closely collaborate on the project and will host the PhD candidate for focused experiments.

Required skills: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Biology/Biomedical sciences/Biomedical Engineering. Knowledge of bone and tissue engineering is preferable. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in materials science, cell biology and/or molecular biology/biochemistry.

Skills in basic materials science/ cell biology/ microscopy/ immunocytochemistry, RT-qPCR/ data processing are useful for the project (but not essential pre-requisites) include. Expertise in electrical engineering/biomedical engineering will be a plus.

Candidates must be curious and intellectually ambitious.

The successful candidate will be expected to work independently, while also collaborating with several lab members and external partners, and to contribute effectively to team efforts.

She/he will need to communicate well in English (orally and in writing).

Basic knowledge of French (or willingness to learn) is a plus.