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The Mechano-Biology Program of the AO Research Institute is looking for a
highly motivated, innovative and knowledgeable person to join our research
team as a PhD candidate.
One of our areas of focus is intervertebral disc degeneration and
regeneration. In this context, we have recently developed an in vitro
system for the culture of whole IVD explants including endplates that
allows us to control nutrient supply to and mechanical loading of cultured
discs. Using this system, we would like to investigate the combined
effects of nutrition and cyclic compression in disc degeneration. The
project will be divided into three phases: 1) induction of disc
degeneration by inhibition of nutrient transport through physiological
factors 2) acceleration of disc degeneration by higher-frequency cyclic
loading 3) Exploration of the effect of duration of higher frequency
cyclic loading on disc degeneration. The methodologies involve (list may
not be exhaustive), cell/tissue/organ culturing, RT-PCR,
conventional/immunohistochemical histology, laser scanning microscopy, and
biochemical assays. The results gained from the experiments will provide
insights into the mechanisms leading to disc degeneration and may help in
finding therapy strategies to prevent or to delay disc degeneration.
Results from cyclic compression assays may be used as guidelines for
detrimental and beneficial loading frequencies for pre- and symptomatic
patients.
The successful candidate should have a Masters degree in Biomedical
Engineering or Biology and wish to continue his/her education in the
pursuit of a PhD. Practical experiences in cell biology, molecular
biology, histology, and/or biochemistry are recommended. Applicants must
have good language skills in spoken and written English to work in our
international group. The project is funded through the Swiss National
Science Foundation and the AO Foundation for four years. The position is
available immediately and salary is commensurate with guidelines of the
Swiss National Science Foundation.
Please send letters of application with statement of research interest,
curriculum vitae with university transcripts and a list of two references
with contact information (preferably by e-mail) to: Prof. Dr. Keita Ito,
keita.ito@aofoundation.org, AO Research Institute, Clavadelerstrasse 8,
7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland.
highly motivated, innovative and knowledgeable person to join our research
team as a PhD candidate.
One of our areas of focus is intervertebral disc degeneration and
regeneration. In this context, we have recently developed an in vitro
system for the culture of whole IVD explants including endplates that
allows us to control nutrient supply to and mechanical loading of cultured
discs. Using this system, we would like to investigate the combined
effects of nutrition and cyclic compression in disc degeneration. The
project will be divided into three phases: 1) induction of disc
degeneration by inhibition of nutrient transport through physiological
factors 2) acceleration of disc degeneration by higher-frequency cyclic
loading 3) Exploration of the effect of duration of higher frequency
cyclic loading on disc degeneration. The methodologies involve (list may
not be exhaustive), cell/tissue/organ culturing, RT-PCR,
conventional/immunohistochemical histology, laser scanning microscopy, and
biochemical assays. The results gained from the experiments will provide
insights into the mechanisms leading to disc degeneration and may help in
finding therapy strategies to prevent or to delay disc degeneration.
Results from cyclic compression assays may be used as guidelines for
detrimental and beneficial loading frequencies for pre- and symptomatic
patients.
The successful candidate should have a Masters degree in Biomedical
Engineering or Biology and wish to continue his/her education in the
pursuit of a PhD. Practical experiences in cell biology, molecular
biology, histology, and/or biochemistry are recommended. Applicants must
have good language skills in spoken and written English to work in our
international group. The project is funded through the Swiss National
Science Foundation and the AO Foundation for four years. The position is
available immediately and salary is commensurate with guidelines of the
Swiss National Science Foundation.
Please send letters of application with statement of research interest,
curriculum vitae with university transcripts and a list of two references
with contact information (preferably by e-mail) to: Prof. Dr. Keita Ito,
keita.ito@aofoundation.org, AO Research Institute, Clavadelerstrasse 8,
7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland.