Tweet
A fully funded Biomedical Engineering PhD graduate research assistant position is available in the area of bioengineering / biomaterials research focused on rheological characterization of synovial fluid and its constituents. Synovial fluid provides critical lubricating function to articular cartilage within joints, and its composition and function can be altered after injury and with disease (osteoarthritis). Key lubricant constituents of interest include hyaluronan and lubricin/PRG4, both of which have significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Rheology will be used to evaluate the extent and mode of PRG4+HA interactions in solution.
The over goal of this research, headed by Dr. Tannin Schmidt, NSERC Tier II Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Engineering – Biomaterials is to elucidate the composition-structure-function relationship of synovial fluid’s cartilage boundary lubricants through the study of PRG4 interactions with itself and HA, using various structural forms of PRG4 and HA, both in solution and at a surface, and assessing cartilage boundary lubrication function. Completion of this work will result in significant advances in biointerface science, biotribology, and bioengineering by 1) contributing to the understanding of the structure-composition dependence of the functional PRG4+HA interaction, and therefore a fundamental joint lubrication mechanism; and 2) provide a framework for a broader exploration of fundamental mechanisms of biolubrication, and potentially the development of new PRG4+HA containing biomaterials and/or biotherapeutic fluids. The Schmidt Lab website can be found here: http://www.ucalgary.ca/schmidtlab/
Applicants should have an M.Sc. in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomechanics, or equivalent. Experience /training in rheology is highly desired, and strong interpersonal and communication skills an asset. Applicants are also encouraged to obtain fellowship funding from granting agencies (e.g. Alberta Innovates, National Science and Engineering Research Council). Interested candidates should send a resume, copy of university transcript(s), a brief letter discussing future goals and fit for the position, and the names, positions, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references that could be contacted. Please email or send application package to:
Dr. Tannin Schmidt
Faculty of Kinesiology, KNB 426
University Of Calgary
2500 University Dr. NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4
(403) 220-7028
tschmidt@ucalgary.ca
Dr. Schmidt is a faculty member in the Schulich School of Engineering’s Center for Bioengineering Research and Education with a primary appointment in the Faculty of Kinesiology (https://www.ucalgary.ca/knes/profiles/tannin-schmidt). The University of Calgary is one of the top seven research universities in Canada, and Biomedical Engineering –is a strategic research priority area. Calgary has a population over 1 million and close proximity to Kananaskis Country, Banff, and the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The Human Performance Lab within the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary is an internationally recognized multidisciplinary research center focusing on the topics of mobility and longevity, including biomechanics. The Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary is one of the highest ranked engineering schools in Canada. The Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education offers an undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Specialization in the Schulich School of Engineering and a Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering joint between the Schulich School of Engineering, the Faculties of Kinesiology, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.
The over goal of this research, headed by Dr. Tannin Schmidt, NSERC Tier II Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Engineering – Biomaterials is to elucidate the composition-structure-function relationship of synovial fluid’s cartilage boundary lubricants through the study of PRG4 interactions with itself and HA, using various structural forms of PRG4 and HA, both in solution and at a surface, and assessing cartilage boundary lubrication function. Completion of this work will result in significant advances in biointerface science, biotribology, and bioengineering by 1) contributing to the understanding of the structure-composition dependence of the functional PRG4+HA interaction, and therefore a fundamental joint lubrication mechanism; and 2) provide a framework for a broader exploration of fundamental mechanisms of biolubrication, and potentially the development of new PRG4+HA containing biomaterials and/or biotherapeutic fluids. The Schmidt Lab website can be found here: http://www.ucalgary.ca/schmidtlab/
Applicants should have an M.Sc. in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomechanics, or equivalent. Experience /training in rheology is highly desired, and strong interpersonal and communication skills an asset. Applicants are also encouraged to obtain fellowship funding from granting agencies (e.g. Alberta Innovates, National Science and Engineering Research Council). Interested candidates should send a resume, copy of university transcript(s), a brief letter discussing future goals and fit for the position, and the names, positions, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references that could be contacted. Please email or send application package to:
Dr. Tannin Schmidt
Faculty of Kinesiology, KNB 426
University Of Calgary
2500 University Dr. NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4
(403) 220-7028
tschmidt@ucalgary.ca
Dr. Schmidt is a faculty member in the Schulich School of Engineering’s Center for Bioengineering Research and Education with a primary appointment in the Faculty of Kinesiology (https://www.ucalgary.ca/knes/profiles/tannin-schmidt). The University of Calgary is one of the top seven research universities in Canada, and Biomedical Engineering –is a strategic research priority area. Calgary has a population over 1 million and close proximity to Kananaskis Country, Banff, and the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The Human Performance Lab within the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary is an internationally recognized multidisciplinary research center focusing on the topics of mobility and longevity, including biomechanics. The Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary is one of the highest ranked engineering schools in Canada. The Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education offers an undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Specialization in the Schulich School of Engineering and a Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering joint between the Schulich School of Engineering, the Faculties of Kinesiology, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.