Research Support for Organ-on-Chip and 3D Tissue Model Development

DESCRIPTION

IMDEA Materials Institute is seeking a research assistant to support the development and characterization of organ-on-chip devices to use as in vitro tissue models for the study and treatment of different diseases, focusing on epithelial tissues such as the airways and skin and involving the synthesis and application of novel hydrogel biomaterials to enable 3D cell culture within microfluidic devices.

The research assistant will primarily be responsible for the design and setup of the microfluidic devices in a bioreactor system as well as to help support related activities in the areas of chemical synthesis, materials characterization (microscopy, mechanical testing), 3D printing, cell culture (including characterization of the viability, proliferation, and phenotype of the cells as well as uptake and transport of drugs or other model compounds), and computational modeling (such as simulations of the microfluidic devices or implementation of data-driven optimization methods).

The successful candidate will receive high-quality training upon their incorporation and be supervised by the principal investigator responsible for the laboratory. The research assistant will also be invited to participate in group meetings related to biomaterials and regenerative medicine, including the reporting of findings and data.

REQUIREMENTS

The candidate should have a Graduate, Engineer, Technical Engineer, or Doctoral Degree in Materials Science/Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.

A good command of English (both oral and written) is mandatory, and free lessons in English are provided.

The candidate should have experience working in a laboratory environment, with a strong interest in experimental work. The ability to follow safety regulations with respect to both chemical and biological hazards while working in the lab is essential.

Previous experience with the design and use of organ-on-chip or microfluidic devices, the synthesis and characterization of hydrogel biomaterials, 3D printing, mammalian cell culture, bioreactor development, and/or relevant computational modeling techniques is a plus.

Candidates must be:

• Be over 16 years of age and under 30 years of age.
• Be registered as an unemployed job seeker in one of the employment offices of the Community of Madrid.

The curriculum assessment will be carried out using the blind curriculum vitae procedure, ensuring the principle of non-discrimination. Candidates must ONLY submit their CV (in English) following precisely these indications:

• It must not include any personal data except (1) initials of their first and last name(s), (2) year of birth, (3) DNI/NIE number, (4) telephone number and (5) e-mail address that does not contain the first name, surname or any other personal data.
• It must not contain a photograph.

Candidatures that do not comply with this requirement will not be considered.

CONDITIONS

This contract will be funded by the Call for grants for implementing the INVESTIGO programme within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan - funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU.

Este contrato estará financiado mediante la Convocatoria de subvenciones para la realización del programa INVESTIGO, en el marco del plan de recuperación, transformación y resiliencia – financiado por la Unión Europea – NextGenerationEU.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The working language of the Institute is English. Full command of the English language is required in all positions.

IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and the promotion of a healthy work environment and work-life balance. Female applicants are encouraged to apply to our research and technical positions. See our Gender Equality Plan here.

Applications are processed upon reception. The position might be closed once the minimum publication days have passed, so we encourage early application.

Besides on-the-job technical training, IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to training the Institute’s scientists and staff in “soft” or transversal skills. See the available training here.

Meet some of our alumni.

To participate in the selection process, it is necessary to apply through the offer published on the IMDEA Materials website: https://jobs.materials.imdea.org/offer/243