Innovative MRI and multi-modal strategies for evaluating the safety and efficacy of regenerative medicine therapies – RenalToolBox Project

The RenalToolBox is an EU-funded ITN that aims to develop novel tools and technologies to assess the safety and efficacy of cell-based regenerative medicine therapies for kidney disease. You will join a team of 15 Early Career Researchers (ESR) working across 10 different institutions towards this goal.
In this position you will be employed by the University of Liverpool and join a team of researchers working at the Centre for Preclinical imaging, a state-of-the-art imaging facility housing a 9.4 T MRI, a high resolution CT, a PET/SPECT/CT as well as bioluminescence, photoacoustic and ultrasound instrumentation. In this project, you will develop methods for labelling mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) with imaging agents (contrast media, tracers) and establish protocols for monitoring the cells’ biodistribution and kidney structure in vivo. The overall goal of your project will be to determine the cell’s behaviour in vivo with a focus on the identification of the organs that they populate, how long they survive in these organs and the extent by which they ameliorate kidney injury. You will also use advanced microscopy techniques (light sheet imaging and confocal imaging using a state-of-the-art Dragonfly microscope) to analyse whole organs and tissue sections ex vivo to assess the extent of MSC integration with the host tissue.

You will develop skills in the following areas:
• Methods for assessing the cytotoxicity and cell labelling efficiency of novel contrast agents consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles (MR imaging), gold nanorods (photoacoustic and CT imaging) and radioisotopes (nuclear imaging).
• Use of mouse models of disease to determine risks (safety) and benefits (efficacy) of MSCs as therapies for kidney injury.
• Use of multi-modality imaging to determine MSC biodistribution and survival in vivo, with a focus on magnetic resonance, photoacoustic, CT, bioluminescence and nuclear imaging.
• Optical tissue clearing protocols for the analysis of intact organs using light sheet microscopy (in collaboration with Heidelberg University).
More information about this consortium and the project can be found in www.renaltoolbox.org.

Requirements:
Essential:
• BSc degree in a relevant subject (biomedical sciences, bioengineering, biophysics, molecular biology or other related subjects).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated individual, willing to take part in personal skills training, international travel and public outreach activities.
• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality research.

Desirable:
• A Master’s degree in biomedical sciences or a similar discipline.
• Research experience involving mesenchymal stem/stromal cells.
• Experience with preclinical imaging (MRI, photoacoustic, CT, BLI or PET).
• Experience with light sheet and/or confocal fluorescence microscopy.

Other Requirements:
• Be in the first four years (full time equivalent) of your research career. This is measured from the date when you obtained a degree which formally entitles you to embark on a doctorate.
• Not yet have a doctoral degree.
• Have not resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.
• Have the ability to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English. Please note the University of Liverpool’s English Language Requirement for EU and International Students is an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 5.5.

Selection process:
• Deadline for submitting applications: 30 November 2018
• Shortlisting: 20 December 2018
• Interviews: January/February 2019
• Start date: early 2019

For application enquiries please visit www.renaltoolbox.org or contact Dr Arthur Taylor ([Email Address Removed]) or Prof Patricia Murray ([Email Address Removed]).
To apply please send CV (with two referees) and cover letter to [Email Address Removed] .