PhD Studentship- in developing a smart bioreactor for effective growth of 3D in vitro muscle and tendon Full-time

PhD Studentship- in Developing a Smart Bioreactor for Effective Growth of 3D In Vitro Muscle and Tendon

Two 3-year PhD studentship positions are available at the UCL Division of Surgery and Interventional Science. The project will be based across sites where the supervisors are based, and multidisciplinary research projects are conducted synergistically with members from different academic backgrounds including engineering, biology, and medicine.

Bioengineered tissues have been a hopeful solution to help humans, either as a direct substitute of damaged tissues and regain their function, as a model to understand disease mechanism, or testing bed for pharmacological agents. For example, tissue-engineered skeletal muscle models have been used in various aspects of muscle in health and disease. In order to grow such a tissue model, we normally use a bioreactor in which the initial tissue “template” – often a cell seeded collagen hydrogel – is kept incubated for weeks. While the tissue is being grown, appropriate conditioning often in the form of mechanical stretch is known to accelerate its development. Our team has been working with a system called tensioned Culture Force Monitor (tCFM) to achieve this in a preliminary form. This project is aimed to take that forward by (1) redesigning tCFM for a more precise and versatile, and easier operation and (2) to culture tissue-engineered muscular and tendon construct and test its functionality depending on various levels of external stimulus applied to stretch it.

The project will be hosted at UCL Department of Mechanical Engineering and Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease where the supervisors are based, respectively, and many multidisciplinary research projects are conducted synergistically with members from different academic backgrounds including engineering, biology, and medicine. We are looking for a student strongly interested in tissue engineering and mechanical device design. Knowledge of biology is desirable though not essential, however, understanding and experience in instrumentation and electric systems control are essential. The post is for 3 years full time study. Stipend: £20k per year for 3 years (+ UK tuition fees).

The successful candidate must hold a strong first degree (BSc./BEng, minimum 2:1) in a suitable subject area. Ideally an MSc. in a related discipline, but not essential. The studentship covers only the fees for UK students. Additional fees may be required for students applying who do not fulfill the criteria for UCL home students. Please check the UCL website for full criteria at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/current-students/money/fees-support/fee_status_proc.

Application process: To apply for the vacancy please send your CV, full transcript, and a personal statement letter. Your statement letter should explain your interest in the project, previous research experience (including examples of previous project work) and why you would be a suitable candidate for this post. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted as we receive high to the volume of applications. For queries relating to the post, please contact Prof. Vivek Mudera at v.mudera@ucl.ac.uk. Please contact HR at l.oppong@ucl.ac.uk, for any queries relating to the application process.

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