Exploring novel ex vivo models of chronic inflammatory bone loss

A PhD project with Dr Hardy will focus on the roles of glucocorticoid signalling mediating inflammatory bone loss. Systemic and juxta articular inflammatory bone loss represents a serious complication in chronic inflammatory diseases, contributing to local joint destruction, increased fracture risk and increased mortality.

These processes are driven by complex cell to cell interactions between inflammatory synoviocytes and bone resorbing osteoclasts, and systemically through signalling between bone forming osteoblasts and osteoclasts. We have previously reported important steroid hormone responses that modulate synoviocyte, osteoblast and osteoclast mediated bone metabolism during inflammation, which we believe underpin inflammatory bone loss.

The proposed project will seek to develop novel human ex vivo co-culture methods designed to model the complex interactions between synoviocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts that determine bone metabolism. These will include novel 3D hydrogel cell culture, microfluidic chip cell culture, transwell and droplet cultures that will allow high throughput examination of inflammatory osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis at the stromal fibroblast, osteoblast and osteoclast interfaces.

These ex vivo models will be used to assess the efficacy of targeted therapeutic interventions that we predict will modify steroid hormone metabolism and suppress inflammatory bone loss, prior to testing these interventions in a murine model of local and systemic inflammatory bone loss.

Person Specification
Applicants should have a strong background in biology, molecular biology, cell biology or medical sciences and hold or realistically expect to obtain at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject. A Masters degree in research or experience in the techniques outlined within this application, whilst not a necessity, would be highly advantageous. It will be preferable but not essential to have a commitment to immunology or endocrinology research.

How to apply:

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Rowan Hardy at [Email Address Removed]

Applications should be directed to Viktorija Ziabliceva ([Email Address Removed]). To apply, please send:
• A detailed CV;
• Names and addresses of two referees;
• A covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities;
• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts;
• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.