An NIH-funded doctoral research position is immediately available at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). My lab has recently developed a photo-initiated collagen crosslinking technique as a preventative treatment for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Research tasks may include in vitro studies of the effects of collagen crosslinking on the mechanics and tribology of healthy and damaged cartilage, and assistance with adapting the in vitro photo-crosslinking techniques for a rabbit model of PTOA. Doctoral students working in the lab obtain their degrees from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
Qualifications: Before starting the position, applicants should have completed a bachelors or master’s degree in mechanical or biomedical engineering or a related field, preferably with a concentration in biomechanics. A highly motivated candidate with good written and verbal communication skills is sought. Applicants will be expected to integrate into a multidisciplinary biomechanical/biomedical engineering laboratory comprised of faculty, postdocs, graduate students and undergraduate students from the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Orthopaedic Surgery.
The Wagner lab: Dr. Diane Wagner’s primary appointment is in the department of mechanical engineering at IUPUI. The lab is physically adjacent to researchers in the department of orthopaedic surgery in the IU School of Medicine. Dr. Wagner is a member of the Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, which brings together large and diverse group of 40+ musculoskeletal researchers and organizes a weekly journal club, external seminar speakers, and a number of educational/career development opportunities.
Application Process: The application process varies depending on the major. Contact Dr. Diane Wagner at wagnerdi@iupui.edu for guidance.