PhD position in tissue remodeling, University of Twente, Netherlands

PhD position in tissue remodeling: The Neuromechanical Modelling and Engineering Laboratory is offering a prestigious PhD position funded by a European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant for the ROBOREACTOR project. This opportunity involves in-depth research characterising structural remodeling in tissue-engineered human skeletal muscle during several weeks of eccentric training. The successful candidate will play a central role in developing groundbreaking regenerative robotic technologies to restore movement after neuromuscular injury, coupled with the investigation of biological structural remodeling of skeletal muscle exposed to electrical and mechanical stimuli over several weeks.

PhD position to characterize structural remodeling in tissue-engineered human skeletal muscles in vitro during several weeks of eccentric training

Designation: PhD student

Research area: Characterization of structural remodeling in tissue-engineered human skeletal muscle in vitro during several weeks of eccentric training

Location: Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands

Eligibility/Qualification:

• A strong background in the Physiology of skeletal muscles
• Experience with cell cultures for the production of muscle tissue in vitro from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)
• Knowledge of tissue analysis techniques such as histological analysis, qPCR, staining and microscopy
• Competence in computer-aided modelling of muscle force generation and structural remodeling
• Knowledge of programming and coding in languages ​​such as Matlab, Python and C++
• Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills as well as high motivation and excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to coordinate Bachelor and Master students
• good written and spoken English knowledge

Job description:
The selected candidate will be responsible for developing four-week eccentric training protocols to stimulate the tissue-engineered muscles and analyzing the morphological remodeling of these tissues over time, including the emergence of sarcomeres in parallel and serial, the phenotypic transition between fast and slow types, and changes in the force-generating capacity of the tissue. In addition, the candidate will learn to use computational modeling to predict how tissue-engineered muscles remodel during four weeks of eccentric training. The work will be facilitated by in-house expertise and mentoring, including collaboration with top scientists on muscle-on-a-chip, statistical modeling, and other key research aspects.

How to apply:
Interested candidates must apply via the web platform by 18 August 2024. The application must include a CV, a motivation letter and/or a publication list. The first interview is scheduled for the week of 2 September and the contract start is expected as soon as possible and no later than December 2024. For inquiries or questions, please contact Prof. Massimo Sartori by email at m.sartori@utwente.nl.

Last application date: 18 August 2024

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