Posting Expiry
A full-time grant-funded postdoctoral position for two years is available for a highly motivated individual to establish 3D biomimetic or bioartificial human tissue models to study the dynamics of complex immune - structural cell - extracellular matrix interactions and their role in developing effective immunotherapies. This work is to be conducted as part of the newly established Multiscale Integrative Immunobiology cluster at UBC-Okanagan which includes the labs of Drs Isaac Li, Emmanuel Osei, Fred Menard, Will Hughes and Luca Piantanida (https://research.ok.ubc.ca/research-excellence/research-clusters/immunobiology/).
The successful candidate will be primarily supervised by Drs. Osei and Li but will also receive joint mentorship from the whole cluster.
AIMS OF THE MULTISCALE INTEGRATIVE IMMUNOBIOLOGY CLUSTER
The cluster aims to understand the intricacies of immune cell interactions, specifically focusing on macrophages, to propel advances in immunotherapy for a range of lung-related diseases (e.g. COVID-19-ARDS, COPD, and lung cancer). Fundamentally, these diseases have common underlying mechanisms: they are primarily driven by aberrant immune responses that result in uncontrolled inflammation, fibrosis, and tissue damage. To do this, our immediate goal is to develop next-generation techniques and bioartificial models that permit real-time monitoring of macrophage function and interactions at multiple biological scales, from molecules (nm, sec) to cells (μm, hrs) and tissues (mm, days). This will provide important insights into these cells’ roles in tissue homeostasis and disease mechanisms.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
To understand the dynamic interplay between macrophages, and cell types that influence their activity (e.g., T cells, fibroblasts, epithelial & cancer cells) as well as the extracellular matrix, we intend to develop robust, viable, multicellular biomimetic or bioartificial models. The successful candidate will have access to extrusion-based and digital light processing bioprinters, 3D printers and tissue culture facilities to enable the development of spheroids & organoids to more complex vascularized bioprinted biomimetic tissue models first with secondary cell-lines and then with primary cells. These models will be carefully characterised using (advanced) molecular assays (e.g. Cell sorting, RNAseq & Luminex ELISAs) and newly synthesized chemical probes. Further the successful candidate will also develop methods for advanced (5D) imaging of the tissue engineered models to assess cell-cell-ECM interactions and provide space, time, and spectral information from models. All established models will be validated via comparisons with established 3D in vitro models e.g. precision cut lung slices. After characterisation of models in homeostatic conditions, perturbagens will be introduced to assess abnormal phenotypes and different disease mechanisms.
QUALIFICATION & SKILLS
Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering or Biomedical Science with a focus on tissue engineering, Cell and Molecular Biology or other related disciplines within the last five years with an impressive publication record to be competitive for provincial and national fellowships, scholarships and grants.
The candidate must have a strong background/training in working on tissue engineered models e.g., bioprinted cellular hydrogel models, organ-on-chip models, cell-embedded in vitro 3D hydrogel models, organoids, in vitro co-culture models, precision cut lung slices etc.
Demonstrated experience with vascularization protocols and establishment of vascularized bioengineered models is an asset.
Experience with biofabrication techniques, engineering and handling of different natural and synthetic bioinks (Collagen, GELMA, PEGDA, Alginate, Matrigel etc.)
Previous experience & expertise with extrusion-based and digital-light processing bioprinting is an asset.
A background in 3D modeling programming languages.
Strong background and expertise in cell culture, cellular immunology & inflammation, cell signaling, fibrotic & growth factor pathways.
A strong background in cell & molecular biology techniques including, Westerns, Q-PCR, next generation sequencing and ability to analyse big data using programming languages and machine learning, RNAi methodology, gene editing methodologies, molecular cloning, plasmid production are highly desirable.
Experience and expertise in macrophage and structural cell (epithelial cell, fibroblasts, endothelial cell) biology.
Candidate is expected to apply for all external postdoctoral funding opportunities (e.g. Michael Smith, Banting, NSERC, CIHR Postdoctoral fellowship, and various travel awards to attend conferences).
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform literature reviews to identify key gaps in current knowledge and inform analysis approach.
- Establish multicellular spheroid and organoid macrophage models.
- Bioengineer optimal bioink formulations to establish bioprinted vascularised multicellular macrophage tissue models using extrusion-based and digital-light processing bioprinting techniques.
- Characterise established models through molecular assays involving cell isolation and fractionation from 3D hydrogel bioprinted models & organoids using cell sorting protocols, Immunocytology, histology, (Luminex) ELISAs, western blots, RNAseq, PCRs, gene editing studies etc.
- Establish protocols for using advanced imaging techniques to observe cell-cell cell-ECM interactions.
- Optimize established model to include primary human cells and assess effect of perturbagens in the multicellular macrophage biomimetic systems to model homeostatic and disease conditions.
- Write peer-reviewed manuscripts for publication in relevant journals.
- Develop analysis plans and conduct data analysis using primary and secondary data sources.
- Lead knowledge translation activities, including presentations at research conferences, meetings with key stakeholders and policy change initiatives.
- Assist in supervising graduate and undergraduate research.
- Identifying relevant funding sources and developing grant proposals and applications as needed.
- Preparing ethics applications and other research-related tasks as needed.
- Aid in the management of cluster activities.
CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR:
This is a senior research position that plays a critical role in the development of this novel field. The position provides leadership and sets direction on the conducting of research and is accountable for the integrity of the data and the effective and efficient management of research projects. The successful candidate will be accountable for the quality and integrity of the research undertaken, including data, analyses and interpretation, and for the efficient management of deliverables. The position requires innovation, adaptation and strategic planning. Incorrect decision or actions may damage the reputation of the laboratory and could be financially costly and lead to loss of credibility.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
The chosen candidate will work with a high degree of independence and will be expected to set priorities under broad directives and in concert with the principal investigators. The PDF will be expected to take a leadership role in the laboratory under the supervision of Drs Osei and Li. This position will provide the candidate with a high level of exposure to biotechnology.
SUPERVISION GIVEN:
The PDF will be expected to provide supervision and guidance to undergraduate and graduate students as required.
SALARY
$50,000 per year (plus benefits).
PROCEDURE TO APPLY
Please submit a single PDF package to Dr. Emmanuel Osei (emmanuel.osei@ubc.ca) and Dr. Isaac Li (isaac.li@ubc.ca) containing:
- COVER LETTER, (one-page detailing expertise, research interests/career goals)
- CV containing publication record and contact information for 3 references.
Application will be accepted until 5.00 pm PST, May 31st, 2024.
How to apply?
Please send applications to emmanuel.osei@ubc.ca and refer to reference number PDFO-57955.
Duration: Fixed term / Temporary
Contract Type: Full Time
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.