Postdoctoral Scientist in Tissue Engineering of Orthopaedic Implants

Postdoctoral Scientist in Tissue Engineering of Orthopaedic Implants
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Human joints must withstand a lifetime of physical loading.  The interface between cartilage-bone interface, or osteochondral (OC) unit, is a site of frequent injury.  In addition, diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) cause pathological changes to the OC unit, involving cartilage destruction, sclerotic bone, and pain, which can ultimately necessitate total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The field of tissue engineering is searching for new methods to create biomimetic tissue models which better replicate the organization of native osteochondral junction.   We believe these advances can one day be used to resurface osteoarthritic joints. Our goal is to improve treatment of joint disease by matching natural biomechanics, promoting tissue regeneration, and avoiding synthetic materials prone to wear and failure. The methodology we will develop could one day provide robust, biocompatible solutions for OC regeneration of the aging population.

Project background
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You will join a multi-PI consortium consisting of biomedical engineers and clinicians. We aim to use natural materials to bioengineer patient-specific osteochondral grafts that mimic the architecture, zonal organization and functional properties of native OC tissue as closely as possible. The osteochondral unit is comprised of transitions from hyaline articular cartilage, calcified cartilage zone, subchondral bone plate and subchondral cancellous bone.  Using 3D computer models based on native subchondral bone architecture, a high-resolution model of the subchondral microarchitecture will be printed from a bioceramic known for its outstanding toughness, strength and osseointegrative properties. Cellular layers of hyaline and calcified cartilage will be bonded to the bioceramic base and matured in a bioreactor until matching the native tissue.  The efficacy of these personalized grafts to regenerate OC lesions will be tested in an articular cartilage/subchondral bone defect model in sheep.  We hypothesize that these OC implants will be able to 1) restore the load-carrying capacity of the joint, 2) provide a mechanically stable support bed for the hyaline cartilage layer and 3) promote physiologic cartilage/bone crosstalk needed for long term joint homeostasis.

Job description
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Development and validation of a functional in vitro osteochondral tissue model based on 3D printed ceramic and engineered cartilage
Study of crosstalk and transport across the tissue interface
Upscale of technology and show proof-of-concept resurfacing of arthritic joints
Development of surgical inplantation strategies
Project coordination between the consortium partners and training of clinical partners
Project reporting

Profile
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You have a PhD in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, material science or related fields. Previous experience cartilage/bone tissue engineering, biomaterials, biomechanics, and surgical instrumentation is advantageous.  A flair for excellent written and oral communciation as well as effective managerial skills are essential.

We offer
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The open position is in the Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication Laboratory (Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong) within the Department of Health Sciences & Technolgy (D-HEST) at ETH Zürich in Zurich, Switzerland.  We offer you a stimulating, collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment in a world-class research institution. ETH Zürich is an outstanding employer with excellent compensation and benefits, with ample opportunities for career development and mentoring. We encourage experimentation and creativity by actively promoting the learning of new technologies and approaches on the job.
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich (https://ethz.ch/en/the-eth-zurich/working-teaching-and-research.html)

We value diversity
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In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.
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Curious? We look forward to receiving your application!

Your online application includes the following documents:

CV and publication list
Description of research interests
Name and contact information of 3-4 references

The position is available from imediately and is funded for at least 2 years.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about our Institute and Laboratory can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong, email: [email protected] (no applications).

About ETH Zürich
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ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.