N: AOFoundation
One of the outstanding complications related to operative fixation of long bone fractures is fracture non-union. Non-unions may have multiple causes, with mechanical and biological reasons foremost amongst them. In addition, infection may delay healing and lead to non-union. By improving our understanding of the biological processes underpinning failure of bone fractures to heal, under sterile and infected conditions, new interventions may be developed.
In order to better understand the genesis of non-unions, new animal models are required that incorporate the critical factors in their genesis. Customized small animal implant fixation systems are available to allow controlled mechanical conditions, and these may be applied to compare and evaluate biological factors further influencing bone healing/non-union (e.g. infection, diabetes).
Within this context, we are looking for an outstanding PhD student to join our team for 4 years.
The successful applicant will be working within a multidisciplinary team developing in vivo models of non-union. This will include support from the preclinical services team to perform the in vivo studies, plus access to the expertise and facilities for histology, biomechanics, cell biology and microbiology. Modern technologies will additionally applied to probe the biological processes underpinning non-union in the to-be-established models, with initial focus on spatial transcriptomics in infected and non-infected conditions.
– Master Degree in cell or biomedical engineering, biology, microbiology, veterinary medicine or related field
– Previous experience in cell culture and laboratory techniques (e.g. histology, confocal microscopy, molecular biology, microbiology)
– Experience in planning and executing research experiments
– Excellent communication skills in English (written and oral)
– Ability to solve complex tasks in a highly independent manner along with a willing-to-help attitude
– Present good adaptation and integration skills in a cross-cultural/interdisciplinary environment
– High motivation and passion for research
– Plan and conduct in vivo experiments with the full support of veterinary surgeons
– Establish and utilize cellular and molecular methods for musculoskeletal tissue
Working for us, you can expect:
- An interesting and varied job in an exciting and innovative organization
- The opportunity to be part of a highly committed international team
- Modern infrastructure
- Employment conditions which match the requirements and offer a high degree of flexibility regarding working hours and location
