Job Description

The Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore is a multidisciplinary institute committed to developing new paradigms for biomedical research by focusing on the quantitative analysis of dynamic functional processes. Through quantitative biophysical approaches, we address major problems in biomedical sciences including pathogenesis (from bacterial to cancer), tissue regeneration, and function.

We are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral fellow to join Dr. Gianluca Grenci\'s laboratory on Microfabricated platforms for 3D cell culturing and imaging. This position is offered in the framework of a new research project funded by the Singaporean Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIN).

Project Scope

The project \xe2\x80\x9cZero-G wells: a 3D tissues growing platform for human tissue regeneration study in microgravity conditions\xe2\x80\x9d is aimed at studying the effects of gravitational forces on the regulation of cells and tissue homeostasis. To this end, we will engineer an advanced version of our JeWells platform [1] which allows the growth of thousands of organoids in parallel while maintaining full access for standard and advanced microscopies. The effects of mechanical unloading will be tested on different biological models by subjecting them to conditions of hypo- and hyper-gravity. We will make use of simulation tools (with e.g. a Random Positioning Machine, RPM), and 0-g parabolic flight conditions; these experiences will also give the necessary feedback to prepare our set-up in compliance with the experimental conditions and policies required to apply for access to the International Space Station (ISS). A component of the experimental works is also the exploration of 3D bio-printing using cells constructs as building blocks, with an overlook to possible applications in a micro-gravity environment.

[1] Beghin A., Grenci G. et al. Automated high-speed 3D imaging of organoid cultures with multi-scale phenotypic quantification. Nat. Methods 19, 881-892 (2022).

Responsibilities

• Design and fabrication of a micro-optical platform for the growth of organoids and suited for micro-gravity experiments
• Integration of the devices with microscopy set-up and biological protocols
• Investigate strategies for high throughput production of the micro-optical platform
• Explore 3D bio-printing protocols and inks formulation using 3d cells constructs
• Collaborate with other team members
• Write scientific papers

Qualifications

• A Ph.D in physics, materials science, engineering or related disciplines.
• Experience with micro-fabrication (particularly microfluidic devices design and simulation, lithography and Si micro-machining), characterization techniques (e.g. SEM and optical microscopy) and clean room work is required.
• Exposure to cell culturing and imaging, ideally 3D cell culture systems (Organoids)
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills and ability to work well in an interdisciplinary team
• Highly motivated and independent
• Organized, dedicated and reliable

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus
Organization: Mechanobiology Institute
Department: Research
Employee Referral Eligible: No
Job requisition ID: 21237

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