Development of Acellular Biomaterials for Regeneration of the Dentin-Pulp Complex.

Applicants are invited to apply for a PhD studentship in the field of Biomaterials for Dental Pulp Tissue Regeneration in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London to start in October 2017.

Tissue-specific stem cells play a pivotal role in tissue repair and regeneration in response to injury. However, significant tissue damage or chronic injury requires additional interventions to support the body’s natural healing processes. The pulp/dentin complex within the tooth can be used as a model of tissue regeneration and forms a critical stage in tooth development. This project aims to develop biomaterials for dental pulp regeneration and establish the regulatory mechanisms that underlie tissue regeneration in response to implanted biomaterials. The PhD student will be taught a range of approaches, including biomaterials synthesis, cell culture modelling, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology, to identify genetic/epigenetic regulators of tissue regeneration in response to biomaterials and determine key physicochemical design parameters for regenerative dental materials.

Applicants should have a background in bioengineering or biomaterials, and have an interest in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and medical devices. They should have (or be expecting to receive) a good upper-second or first class honours (or equivalent) in a related discipline.

Applicants should have good dexterous skills, a basic understanding of organic/polymer chemistry and molecular biology. They should be eager to learn, and imaginative with an enquiring approach to research. You will become a skilled communicator, and be expected to present at international conferences. You should be self-motivated, and will be expected to write up your work as journal papers of the highest standard.

To apply for this position, please send your CV, and a 1 page statement of your research interests/motivation to: Dr Adam Celiz, [Email Address Removed]