About the Project
TargetCaRe is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN) on targeting cartilage regeneration in joints and intervertebral disc diseases in the Horzion2020 programme of the European Union (https://www.targetcare.eu/). In total, 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) are appointed by the TargetCaRe consortium for 36 months each.
Mobility is very important for human well-being, but is seriously impaired by chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis in many people worldwide. This is due to degeneration of the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral disc and joint. To develop a treatment for these diseases, in the TargetCaRe consortium novel highly advanced drug delivery carriers with dedicated targeting tools, state of the art imaging techniques and expertise in stem cell and joint biology are combined.
The aim is to achieve regeneration of damaged and degenerated tissues by employing targeting strategies tailored to both the pathology and the tissues involved. Regeneration of diseased tissues will be achieved by loading biologically active agents in state-of-the-art nanocarriers. The biologically active agents will stimulate the body’s intrinsic capacity to regenerate by attracting local stem cells or inhibit degeneration.
The consortium consists of partners from both academia and industry with excellent scientific qualifications in multiple disciplines:
• Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands – prof. Gerjo van Osch
• University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands – Dr. Laura Creemers
• Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel – Prof. Marcelle Machluf
• Imperial College London, United Kingdom – Prof. Molly Stevens
• University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom – Prof. Cosimo de Bari
• University of Aarhus, Denmark – Prof. Kenneth Howard
• University of Maastricht, the Netherlands - Prof. Ron Heeren
• Percuros, Leiden, the Netherlands – Dr. Alan Chan
• Cardiff University, United Kingdom – Prof. Bruce Caterson
• AO Research Institute Davos, Switzerland – Prof. Mauro Alini
• ProCore, Nes Ziona, Israel – Dr. Avner Yayon
ESR PhD position - AO Research Institute Davos, Switzerland
The aim of this project is to evaluate the efficacy of the activated nanocarriers for intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration using an organ culture model in a bioreactor system. IVD organ culture models of inflammation and degeneration using a custom-made bioreactor system under mechanical loading conditions have already been established. The PhD candidate will investigate the regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects of implanted nanocarriers containing bioactive agents under relevant loading conditions. Activated nanocarriers will also be injected and evaluated in a rat tail IVD degeneration model. Different analysis methods will be used, including biochemical, cell and molecular biological analyses such as cell viability, gene expression, protein synthesis, histology and immunohistochemistry, and imaging techniques.
Profile
An ideal ESR PhD candidate will have excellent marks from his/her previous studies and courses along with experience in the field of cell and molecular biology or bioengineering. Practical experience in cell/tissue culture methodology is required. Experience in using biological, biochemical, and imaging analysis techniques (e.g. protein and gene expression analysis; microscopy) is also desirable. The candidate must be enthusiastic and excited about the field of regenerative medicine, while excellent written and oral communication skills are desirable. The AO Research Institute Davos is an excellent environment for students and young researchers and involves multidisciplinary translational research programmes (www.aofoundation.org\ari). The PhD student will have a great opportunity to learn more about alternate fields of research related to regenerative medicine, from basic to preclinical studies, which will strengthen his/her own research experience.
There are strict eligibility requirements for the ESR PhD positions in MSCA-ITN . Please ensure that you qualify before applying, as ineligible candidates cannot be considered.
MSCA-ITN offers an attractive salary and working conditions. A unique feature of MSCA-ITN is that during the PhD research, ESR PhD students will be given the opportunity to perform at least two secondments of about 3 months each at the facilities of other consortium members. ESR PhD students will benefit from a dedicated training program in the various fields of expertise of the consortium partners. Salary is complemented with a mobility allowance.
For more information on MSCA-ITN, visit http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/index_en.htm
Application
To apply for this position, send your CV and motivation letter to [Email Address Removed] . Please state the vacancy reference (Targetcare ESR #10) in the subject line.
Funding Notes
• Applicants should not have resided or performed their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of the host institution for more than 12 months in the 3 year period immediately prior to the start date of the PhD research.
• Applicants for the ESR PhD positions should be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers and not yet have been awarded a doctorate. This 4 year period is measured from the date of obtaining the degree which would formally entitle to embark on a doctorate.
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