PhD Predictive human-based bone in vitro models for drug & biomaterial scre

at  TU Eindhoven

JOB DESCRIPTION

Components of our immune system are present in every organ to defend us against diseases and to help restore and maintain tissue homeostasis. Studies in experimental animals have shown that different immune components also play an integral role in bone homeostasis, regeneration, and diseases. Although the importance of immunity in bone biology has been widely recognized, only a few studies have committed to translating this knowledge into predictive human-based in vitro models for drug and biomaterial screening. When developing 3D bone in vitro models with predictive value, the incorporation of relevant immune components is essential for creating in vitro bone models that accurately reflect healthy, diseased, and regenerating bone. In this project, you will advance current in vitro bone models by incorporating immune system components to create a functional in vitro bone model that can predict the treatment performance of drugs and bone graft biomaterials for patients with bone pathologies (e.g., osteoporosis, osteoarthritis). Additionally, you will take a step further by investigating the scalability of the in vitro bone model towards a model that conforms with Good Manufacturing Practices and can offer alternatives to current animal experimentation and potentially making animal studies redundant in the long run. To address this challenge, we are looking for a highly motivated candidate who is interested in working at the crossroads between the fundamental aspects of model development at Eindhoven University of Technology and the translational potential of this model in collaboration with the Smart Biomaterials Consortium (SBMC), a start-up company dedicated to supporting the development and clinical production of smart biomaterials.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

We are accepting applications from enthusiastic and highly talented candidates who meet the following requirements:

• A master’s degree (Second Cycle qualification) in Immunology, Biology, Biomedical engineering, Regenerative Medicine or a comparable domain.
• A solid background in bone biology and immunology.
• A strong interest in translational research.
• Experience with bone engineering, in vitro models and biomaterials is preferred
• Strong motivation to do excellent, original, translational research.
• Team player and able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international context
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Note that there is no Dutch language requirement.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students. Motivated to make research results accessible and available for use by industry.

ABOUT US

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.
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Please refer the Job description for details