PhD student in Applied Physics (Bioengineering)

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The group of Dr. Pierfrancesco Pagella is recruiting a PhD student in Applied Physics (Bioengineering), with a focus on the biofabrication and emulation of human oral organs.

Your work assignments
A major goal of biomedical engineering is the generation of in vitro emulation systems of human organs, to be used as alternative to animal models in preclinical studies as well as platforms for studying organ and tissue regeneration. In this context, the aim of this PhD project is to combine stem cells self-organization and modular biofabrication to generate 3D bioengineered human oral tissues and models of oral diseases equipped with perfusable vasculature, innervation, and immune cells. In particular, we will aim to emulate i) the human dental pulp and periodontium, and ii) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

As a PhD student, you will:


• culture human dental pulp cells, human periodontal cells, or oral cancer cells in functionalized, cell-instructive 3D synthetic extracellular matrices (sECM) to generate in-vivo-like cell diversity.
• isolate tooth-specific endothelial cells and use them to create perfusable blood vessels
• derive human trigeminal neurons from hESCs and culture them in a 3D matrix.
• combine all these elements in an integrated free-floating 3D bioengineered tooth emulation system, further supplemented with immune cells
• collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of experts in stem cell biology, cancer biology, genomics, bioengineering, and materials science
• share your research findings through scientific publications and conferences.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time.

Your qualifications
You have graduated at Master’s level in Tissue Engineering/Regenerative Medicine/Experimental Biomedicine or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in Tissue engineering. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

The following are considered significant assets:


• Undergraduate courses in chemical engineering
• Experience in hydrogel manipulation and optimization
• Experience in rheological characterization of biomaterials.
• Experience in cell culture
• Experience in basic molecular biology and biochemistry techniques

Scientific curiosity and the ability to think independently are essential personal qualities in a candidate. You will be expected to engage with colleagues and cooperate in supporting the activities of the research group. You must also have excellent oral and written communication skills in English. You should enjoy working as part of a team, and be willing to learn from your co-workers and to share your knowledge and experience with them in return.

Your workplace

The position is placed in the Laboratory of Molecular Materials at the Division of Biophysics and Bioengineering, IFM (Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) at Linköping University. The unit is composed of dedicated and motivated researchers, including PhD students, postdocs, and senior scientists, all committed to advancing the field of biofabrication and organ emulation. The team emphasizes mentorship and professional development, providing personalized guidance and support to help researchers reach their full potential.

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of four years’ full-time equivalent. You will initially be employed for a period of one year. The employment will subsequently be renewed for periods of maximum duration two years, depending on your progress through the study plan. The employment may be extended up to a maximum of five years, based on the amount of teaching and departmental duties you have carried out. Further extensions can be granted in special circumstances.

Starting date by agreement.

 

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives
Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than the 12th of June 2024.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.




We look forward to receiving your application!





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