iPLACENTA Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN Early Stage Researcher ESR1 - Design and development of placenta-on-a-chip model mimicking normal and diseased placenta characteristics.

MIMETAS and Maastricht University are looking for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) with a focus on developing an in vitro model of a placenta (‘placenta-on-a-chip’). This model will be further developed to a preeclampsia disease model. Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and often a significant amount of protein in the urine and in severe cases impaired liver function and kidney function, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

About MIMETAS
MIMETAS develops and validates customised disease-, toxicology- and transport tissue models using organ-on-a-chip technology for drug screening in 3D-tissues. Our unique microfluidic platform enables testing of compounds in high-throughput on miniaturized organ models. These models offer better predictivity as compared to laboratory animal testing and conventional cell culture models. The MIMETAS OrganoPlate® platform supports 3D cell culture under continuous perfusion, membrane-free co-culture and boundary- and gradient formation, thus mimicking important aspects of tissues and organs. MIMETAS has an open culture, where achievements go hand in hand with a fun place to work. Our close-knit team stays successful by maintaining a good atmosphere while working in a highly competitive field.

Project description:
The project is part of iPlacenta (www.iplacenta.eu), a new European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme ITN under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie, to model the placenta for early detection of PE/IUGR, and to train the next generation of Translational Scientists for Maternal and Foetal Health.

The focus of the project is to design, engineer and validate a microphysiological system mimicking a multicellular placenta with similar physiological parameters, replicating the placental barrier as well as a vascular invasion model. This model will be used to recreate placental disease as characterised on multiple levels including marker expression, functional characteristics and metabolic profiles. Finally the goal is to apply the model for evaluation of novel therapeutic approaches. There will also opportunities to apply your research and collaborate with fellow trainees in the consortium on cross-disciplinary projects.

Your profile:
- Interests in developing and translating technology to answer medical questions and solve healthcare problems in women health
- Strong understanding in Cell and Molecular Biology
- Good knowledge of (3D) cell culture and laboratory equipment such as microscopes and plate readers;
- Able to communicate with scientists, engineers and clinicians of different disciplines;
- Have a motivated, flexible and positive work attitude;
- Proficiency in English language.

Eligibility:
To this position applies a mobility rule. The respective candidate must not have worked for more than 12 months in the Netherlands within the last three years. Furthermore, the candidate needs to be in his/her first four years of his/her research career. The four years are counted from the date a degree was obtained which formally entitles to embark on a doctorate in the country either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided.

Starting date:1st Sept 2018
Duration: 36 months

How to apply:
Submit an application to [Email Address Removed]
Application form can be downloaded from http://www.iplacenta.eu
Interviews by teleconference: June-July

Deadline for application: Monday 18th June 2018 (Midnight-GMT)