Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Biostimulation and Experimental Biomechanics

We are seeking

to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join a multidisciplinary team of bone biologists, engineers, clinicians and transcriptomics specialists performing advanced organotypic modelling of age-relevant mutations in the human osteocytic network function. You will be based at the Botnar Research Centre within the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences. Using minibone constructs grown by the group, you will modify existing scaffolds and adapt apparatus for ultrasound exposure to explore the response to mechanical stimulation in diseased vs. healthy osteocyte networks. As a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, you will manage your own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, interaction with a larger research programme, and to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines. You will adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols as well as contribute ideas for new research projects. You will also test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate. You must hold a PhD/DPhil (or be near completion) in a relevant area of research such as bioengineering, biomedical engineering or another related area. You must have experience in the use and development of techniques for the manufacturing of cell or tissue scaffolds, such as bioprinting, microfluidics, or other relevant methods. You will also have experience in using ultrasound to stimulate or manipulate biological cells for drug delivery, tissue repair, tissue engineering, or other biomedical applications. Experience in integrating physical methods, customised devices, and biological cells/tissue, and the use of optical and fluorescence microscopy for the imaging of biological cells or tissue is essential. Experience in the culturing of mammalian cells and in basic cellular assays, and in the formulation and characterisation of stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems is desirable. This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 36 months.