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One MSc and one PhD graduate student positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Andrea Clark in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Canada. The proposed projects are in the area of chondrocyte mechanobiology and osteoarthritis research.
THE PROJECT: Osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease resulting in joint stiffness, swelling and pain for three million (1 in 10) Canadians. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of articular cartilage, a soft tissue normally maintained by chondrocytes and lining the articulating surfaces of bones. There is currently no treatment to stop or reverse the progression of joint degeneration. The goal of this research program is to identify novel targets for pharmaceutical intervention to slow down, stop or reverse the progression of osteoarthritis. Our approach is to identify and characterize signal transduction mechanisms through which chondrocytes respond to mechanical and chemical changes in cartilage with a biological response using a unique combination of innovative real-time confocal microscopy and genetically engineered mice. The role of the collagen receptor integrin α1β1 and primary cilia in chondrocyte mechanobiology and osteoarthritis development are of particular interest.
These position are available to students starting in Fall 2019 or Winter 2020 semester.
REQUIREMENTS: Independent and self-motivated applicants with a strong background in cell biology, biomedical engineering, biomechanics or equivalent are encouraged to apply. Strong interpersonal and communication skills as a team player are also required. Experience with rodent research models, dissection, microscopy and cell culture would be desirable.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING? Interested applicants should submit a CV, unofficial transcript, a letter describing their fit for the position and career goals, and contact information for two referees to Dr. Andrea Clark (alclark@uoguelph.ca).
THE PROJECT: Osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease resulting in joint stiffness, swelling and pain for three million (1 in 10) Canadians. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of articular cartilage, a soft tissue normally maintained by chondrocytes and lining the articulating surfaces of bones. There is currently no treatment to stop or reverse the progression of joint degeneration. The goal of this research program is to identify novel targets for pharmaceutical intervention to slow down, stop or reverse the progression of osteoarthritis. Our approach is to identify and characterize signal transduction mechanisms through which chondrocytes respond to mechanical and chemical changes in cartilage with a biological response using a unique combination of innovative real-time confocal microscopy and genetically engineered mice. The role of the collagen receptor integrin α1β1 and primary cilia in chondrocyte mechanobiology and osteoarthritis development are of particular interest.
These position are available to students starting in Fall 2019 or Winter 2020 semester.
REQUIREMENTS: Independent and self-motivated applicants with a strong background in cell biology, biomedical engineering, biomechanics or equivalent are encouraged to apply. Strong interpersonal and communication skills as a team player are also required. Experience with rodent research models, dissection, microscopy and cell culture would be desirable.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING? Interested applicants should submit a CV, unofficial transcript, a letter describing their fit for the position and career goals, and contact information for two referees to Dr. Andrea Clark (alclark@uoguelph.ca).