Applications are invited for this PhD vacancy:


PhD Studentship in Bioengineering/Nanotechnology
NBT laboratory, Department of Biophysical and Electronic Engineering,
University of Genova, Italy: job description

Tutor: Prof. Roberto Raiteri & Dr. Riccardo Gottardi
N. of available positions: 1

PhD research studentships will start January the 1st, 2010. The duration of
the grant is three years and successful candidates will be enrolled in the
PhD programme in Bioengineering/Nanotechnology of the University of Genova
(Italy).
The research activities will take place mainly within the NBT Group
(Neuroengineering and Bio-Nanotechnology Group) as part of an ample
multidisciplinary EU project on composite phenotypic triggers for bone and
cartilage repair. Brief research periods at project partners research
laboratories may be required.
The main research focus will be on the development and application of Atomic
Force Microscopy (AFM) based methods for micro- and nano-mechanical
characterization of native and engineered tissues and the assessment of
neotissue integration, as well as on relating micro- and nanomechanical
response to tissue composition and structure.
Examples of the group activities in the field can be found in "Early
detection of aging cartilage and osteoarthritis in mice and patient samples
using atomic force microscopy." M.Stolz et al. Nature Nanotechnology Vol.4,
186-192 (2009) and in "Use of hydrodynamic forces to engineer cartilaginous
tissues resembling the non-uniform structure and function of meniscus."
A.Marsano et al. Biomaterials. 27: 5927-5934 (2006).

Studentships will be awarded by open competition.
Requirements: Candidates should possess a Master Degree/University Diploma
in Physics, Engineering, Biology or related fields. Attitude towards
experimental work and instrument/software development is essential. Previous
experience with AFM operation is a plus.


Application deadline: Thursday, September 23, 2010
Request concerning details about the research activity and application
procedure are welcomed and may be addressed to: Prof. Roberto Raiteri
(rr@unige.it), or Dr. Riccardo Gottardi (riccardo.gottardi@unige.it).



__________________________________________________ ___________
Riccardo Gottardi, Ph.D.
Neuroengineering and Bio-Nano Technology Group - NBT
Department of Biophysical and Electronic Engineering - DIBE
Via Opera Pia 11A, 16145, GENOA, ITALY
Phone: +39-010-3532048
Fax: +39-010-3532764
E-mail: riccardo.gottardi@unige.it