Three PhD students on cartilage tissue engineering University of Twente Faculty of Science and Technology
Job description
A single step procedure for cartilage repair
Autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) is the golden standard for treatment of large-size cartilage defects. ACT requires, however, at least two operative procedures. First chondrocytes are isolated from a non-weight bearing part of the joint. Subsequently, the cells are multiplied in vitro to obtain sufficient cells for the implantation. This takes several weeks. Finally, the cells are seeded on a scaffold and placed into the diseased joint after which revalidation can start. We have developed a simplified method that can circumvent the necessity for chondrocyte multiplication by cell culture. In this single step procedure, chondrocytes are isolated, mixed with mesenchymal stem cells, loaded on a scaffold and directly
reimplanted into the patient. The amount of cartilage produced in this procedure equals or is even better than cartilage matrix formation by a pure chondrocyte population and outnumbers the cartilage matrix formation by application of pure mesenchymal stem cells. The improved chondrocyte formation is explained by cross-talk between the chondrocytes and the stem cells by an as yet unknown mechanism. This
procedure is now being developed for clinical evaluation. For this project, we are looking for enthusiastic PhD students that can help us to bridge the gap between preclinical development and actual implementation of the technique in patient management. The project is divided in 3 subprojects:
Subproject 1: Elucidation of the mechanism of action of chondro-induction in co-cultures of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells.
Subproject 2: Development of a screen of chemical libraries and/or siRNA libraries to identify anabolic factors that even further stimulate chondrocyte matrix formation in co-cultures.
Subproject 3: Incorporation of anabolic factors in polymer-based scaffolds that can be implanted in patients.
Required education/skills: University Graduate
We offer a temporary position for 4 years with a competitive salary in a top level research and academic environment with excellent opportunities for personal development. The work is highly interdisciplinary and the atmosphere in the group as well as at the institute is collegial and collaborative. Candidates will contribute
to the bachelor and master courses Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine. We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD student who can bridge the fields of biomaterial sciences and cell biology. Your starting salary will be € 1956, - in the first year and up to € 2502, - gross per month in the last year.
Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500
Salary: scale 10.
Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2502
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Dr. Jan de Boer
Telephone number: 3130 2295154
E-mail address: j.deboer@tnw. utwente.nl
Or Dr Marcel Karperien
E-mail address: h.b.j.karperien@ tnw.utwente. nl
Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:
* About the organization (http://www.utwente. nl/en/)
* About the function
(http://www.utwente. nl/vacatures/ vacatures_ externe_werving/ 07-116-117- 118-119-eng. doc)
* website department Tissue Regenation (http://tr.tnw. utwente/nl)
Application
You can apply for this job before 02-09-2007 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending
your application to:
University of Twente
faculty TNW
drs.M.D. Hilderink
Postbus 217
7500 AE Enschede
E-mail: PenO@tnw.utwente. nl
When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number AT/07/118.
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