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Stillingstittel:
2 Post-doctoral research fellow positions in Tissue Engineering (Fibre technology and hydrogels)

Stillingsbeskrivelse:

Jobbnorge ID: 170441

About Department of Biomaterials, Institute of Clinical Dentistry

Department of Biomaterialshas a multidisciplinary team of researchers trained in molecular biology, cell biology, odontology, medicine, microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry and materials science dedicated to research focusing on development or modification of biomaterials, bone regeneration and integration of biomaterials into bone and related hard tissues. The group consist of three professors, two post docs and 10 PhD students.

The one fellowships period is for 2.5 years (fibre technology) and one fellowship (hydrogel) for two years where 100 % is designated research.

Job abstractJV_description

Your main research responsibilities will be related to the project "A Bioactivated Nano-layered Hydrogel for Dermal Regeneration in Hard-to-Heal Ulcers" with the acronym BioNaNOR. This is a Research Council of Norwegian (RCN) Nano2021 grant number 287991 financed project, started on 01.04.2019, coordinated by the University of Oslo with partners from The University of Manchester (Prof. Jonny Blaker) and University of Aveiro (Prof João F. Mano).

The ultimate goal in tissue engineering for wound healing is to produce a material that promotes complete and scar free regeneration of a functional outer barrier (e.g. mucosa or skin). In humans, mucosa and skin represents about one seventh of the body mass. Almost any trauma, infection or surgical procedure involve breaking this outer barrier and produce an ulcer. In healthy persons and under normal conditions, skin and mucosa rapidly regenerate and restore tissue integrity with complete epithelial coverage. Should however the situation be challenged by extensive trauma, burns, infections, chronic inflammation, metabolic disease or other pathologies the result are ulcers that heal very slowly or not at all, often with debilitating or even life-threatening consequences to the patient. The BioNaNOR project aims at using a dermis-matrix-mimicking hydrogel based on nano-layered and chemically modified chitosan. This artificial dermis analogue will be designed with one "deeper" part that will provide biological signals for the guidance and differentiation of mesoderm derived stem cells, and a "superficial" part that includes molecules that stimulate epithelial cell growth and migration. The nano-layered chitosan matrix is biodegradable and will ultimately be replaced by natural dermal tissue that is later covered by epidermis. During this process, the material will slowly release the embedded bioactive molecules together with chitosan metabolites that are known to favour healing by reducing inflammation and supressing bacterial growth.

This project proposes a tissue engineering and nanotechnology approach to overcome current therapies limitations.

• Earliest starting date is August 1st 2019 .
• Position 1: The work will be conducted at mostly at University of Manchester but also at Department of Biomaterials, University of Oslo.
• Position 2: The work will be conducted at mostly at University of Aveiro but also at Department of Biomaterials, University of Oslo.

More about the positions

We are looking for an excellent researcher with interest in experimental studies of cell-material interactions. In particular, we are currently recruiting a person with experience in the following techniques:

Position 1, Fibre Technology

• Experience in spinning of sub-micron fibres, ideally by solution blow spinning polymer/polypeptide fibre/fibre mat production and their characterisation is essential.
• Knowledge of rheological characterisation, microfluidics, wet-fibre processing/sub-micron fibre - electrospinning or solution blow spinning is desirable
• Experience with the chemical modification of biomaterials and formulation development, preferably chitosan
• Evaluation of fibre/fibre mat morphological and mechanical properties, preferably with experience in dry and in vitro (wet) mechanical testing, and scanning electron microscopy
• Characterization of biomaterial and gradient fibre mats/fibres
• Planning, supervision, conducting and evaluating in vitro experiments, and preferably in vivo experiments

Position 2, Hydrogel Technology

• Experience with the chemical modification of biomaterials and formulation development, preferably chitosan
• Experience in synthesis and production of hydrogel
• Knowledge of hydrogel characterisation such as rheological and mechanical properties
• Knowledge of evaluation of in vitro biological hydrogel performance and preferably in vivo experiments

Note that a strong biomaterials background is required. You are expected to be involved in all parts of the project, including: experimental design, sample design and preparation, data acquisition and analysis, publications, research supervision and management, the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding and contractual purposes.

Position 1: Most of the work of fibre production will be performed with the partner in Manchester, UK and you are therefore expected to spend time with this partner. There will also be travels to the other partners in Aveiro, Portugal.

Position 2: Most of the work of fibre production will be performed with the partner in Aveiro, Portugal and you are therefore expected to spend time with this partner. There will also be travels to the other partners in Manchester, UK.

Qualification requirements

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the assumed academic and personal ability on the part of the candidates to complete the project within the given time frame and publish articles in recognized international journals. Travel and research stays at partner institutions is expected.

To qualify for this research position you must have completed a PhD degree in tissue engineering, chemistry, biotechnology or biochemistry, materials science, chemical or materials engineering or equivalent. You may also apply if the doctoral dissertation has been submitted and approved by the evaluation committee before the application deadline.

• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English (evt.) and a Scandinavian language.

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

A strong biomaterials background is required and an excellent command of English is a prerequisite.

The successful candidate should have documented experience in most of the areas described in the bullet points above.

Personal skills

The successful candidate has the ability to work in a structured and independent manner, and works well in cooperation with others. Excellent communication and academic writing skills are essential to the position. Excellent time management and organizational skills. Flexible approach to dealing with research problems as they arise. Ability to contribute to broader management and administrative processes.

Candidates with well-established international research network and strong track record will be preferred.

We offer

• A friendly and international working environment
• An exciting research environment with a multidisciplinary profile, multicultural working environment and excellent opportunities for academic development
• Collaborations with some of the forefront biomaterial research groups in Europe
• Position code 1352: NOK 523 200 to NOK 552 800 per year, depending on qualifications and seniority
• Favourable pension arrangements
• Attractive welfare arrangements

How to apply

The application must include: (Please refer whether you apply to position 1 or 2 )

• Application letter stating how the candidate can contribute to the project and how she/he fits the abstractJV_description of the person we seek
• CV summarizing education, positions held, details of academic work, pedagogical and administrative experience and other qualifying activities
• List of publications
• Copies of educational certificates and transcripts of records
• 2 letters of recommendation
• 2 additional references, with address, telephone number, email and relationship stated
• Documentation of English Proficiency, if educated in a non-English speaking institution. The English proficiency requirements are the same as for admission to the master's programmes at UiO, and must be documented: http://www.uio.no/english/studies/admission/master/english-proficiency-master.html

An expert committee will review all applications.

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project abstractJV_description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.
It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

Prof Ståle Petter Lyngstadaas, phone +47 91613424, e-mail: spl (at) odont.uio.no, webpage: www.biomaterials.no

Se annonsen og søk på stillingen www.jobbnorge.no

PAM

numberOfPosts: 2

jobCategoriesCodes_0: http://data.europa.eu/esco/isco/C2131

abstractJV_contact_0: See jobabstractJV_description

contractTypeCodes_0: fulltime

Arbeidsgiver Navn: Universitetet i Oslo

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