PhD studentships on electrochemistry in 3D cell cultures

Project description:

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic PhD student to join an interdisciplinary project “3D scaffolds with integrated multielectrode measurement setup for cell culture and pharmaceutical applications”.

Institute of Physical Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, Poland, is offering one position funded by the National Centre for Research and Development, within the Lider 9 Project No. NCBiR 0138/L-9/2017.

Within the project the candidate will develop a versatile platform which enables cell growth and electrochemical analysis in various point of the three dimensional culture. 3D cell cultures play a critical role in real time studies of mammalian physiology at a cellular level and are postulated to become a bridge between 2D in vitro models and experiments on animals. Models of this kind are able to mimic the in vivo environment, including the histologic, physiologic and functional properties of the tissues in question, much better than traditionally used planar cultures. However, at present difficulties in analysis of such complex 3D structures and complete lack of possibilities of their automation restrain full emergence of this technology.

The main goal is to develop, construct and validate a device with electrodes integrated at various points of the 3D cell culture scaffold, which allows viability tests (through measurements of oxygen and glucose consumption) as well as analysis of neurotransmission. Proposed prototype will be easy to use (at a level of commercial electrophysiology equipment) and allow culturing of various cell types, with the use of different hydrogel scaffolds. The final device will address two main groups i.e. scientists applying cell cultures to develop basic research (collaboration with the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology)  and pharmaceutical companies (collaboration with Adamed Group). As no similar device exists the outcome of this project could potentially revolutionize the market of 3D cell culture.

Responsibilities:

Preparation of simple electrode arrays from prefabricated components; fabrication of multielectrode grids through photolitography; optimization of the architecture of the device (number of electrodes, positioning); co-supervision of the development of the detector system; tests of electrochemical sensors and biosensors; analysis of metabolism of an immortalized cell line (hepatocytes); test and validation of the final device in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies;

Requirements:

For this role, we seek motivated candidates who will develop hardware and analytical methods able to revolutionize cell culture industry. To succeed in those tasks candidate should possess strong manual skills (work in clean room, fabrication and application of microelectrodes), ability to think outside the box and should be oriented towards solving real life problems (collaboration with users from industry and basic research).   

Specific:

• • Experience/interest in electrochemistry is desirable.

• • Experience in electronics and CAD software will be a plus.

• Good command of English is required (at least B2)

How to Apply:

Application should be send through a dedicated webpage: http://warsaw4phd.eu/register.php

Questions regarding this position should be directed to the project leader: Emilia Witkowska Nery ewitkowskanery@ichf.edu.pl

The competition will be performed in accordance with the regulations of the Warsaw PhD School in Natural and BioMedical Sciences and will consist of two steps 1.) submission of documents and 2.) interview of selected candidates;  

List of documents:

1. Cover letter (maximum 3500 characters)
2. A scan or a photocopy of the candidates MSc diploma
3. transcript of grades from BSc and MSc
4. Professional curriculum vitae with a list of scientific achievements (publications, patents, research projects, conference presentations, etc.).
5. Documents confirming scientific achievements of the candidate.
6. Consent regarding the collection and processing of personal data
7. A letter of recommendation written by an independent researcher (at least a PhD holder) (an MSc supervisor etc.).

IMPORTANT: applications without the consent will not be considered

• Incomplete applications may be not considered;

We reserve the right to contact and reply only to selected candidates.

For more information please consult http://www.ichf.edu.pl/ and https://www.charge-transfer.pl/