Research Fellow (Mechanobiology Institute)

Job Description

The Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore is a multidisciplinary institute committed to developing new paradigms for biomedical research by focusing on the quantitative analysis of dynamic functional processes. Through quantitative biophysical approaches, we address major problems in biomedical sciences including pathogenesis (from bacterial to cancer), tissue regeneration, and function.

The Mechanobiology Institute seeks to recruit a postdoctoral fellow to join Dr Anne Beghin's group on Organoids and Quantitative 3D imaging. This position is offered in the framework of a Space Biology project funded by the Singaporean Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn).

Project Scope

The project “Zero-G wells: a 3D tissues growing platform for human tissue regeneration study in microgravity conditions” is aimed at studying the effects of gravitational forces on the regulation of cell and tissue homeostasis. To this end, we will engineer an advanced version of our JeWells platform [1] which allows the growth of thousands of organoids in parallel while maintaining full access for standard and advanced microscopies. The effects of mechanical unloading will be tested on different biological models by subjecting them to conditions of hypo- and hyper-gravity. We will make use of simulation tools (with e.g. a Random Positioning Machine, RPM), and 0-g parabolic flight conditions; these experiences will also give the necessary feedback to prepare our set-up in compliance with the experimental conditions and policies required to apply for access to the International Space Station (ISS). A component of the experimental works is also the development of relevant 3D microniches based on (but not limited to) tunable extracellular matrix for long term culture of epithelium cells (mammary and pulmonary).

[1] Beghin A., Grenci G. et al. Automated high-speed 3D imaging of organoid cultures with multi-scale phenotypic quantification. Nat. Methods 19, 881–892 (2022).

Responsibilities

• Design protocols and perform the growth and differentiation of hundreds of organoids on an in-house system suited for micro-gravity experiments
• Perform in-depth phenotype characterization of 3D cell culture and organoids (3D microscopy techniques and molecular biology)
• Deploy experiments in external collaborators’ labs (for parabolic flights and/or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) experiments in the International Space Station (ISS))
• Explore 3D bio-printing protocols and inks formulation using 3D cells constructs
• Collaborate with other team members
• Write scientific papers

Qualifications

• A PhD in Cell Biology or related disciplines
• Extensive background in stem cells or primary human cell culture, 3D cell systems (organoids) and extracellular matrix patterning are mandatory
• Advanced skill in characterization techniques (e.g. immunostaining, molecular biology such as RNA-seq/rt-qPCR/Western Blot/…) and optical microscopy techniques are required
• Knowledge of microfabrication techniques and Space Biology would be advantageous
• Ability to work in extreme conditions (parabolic flight) and to schedule and overview experiments in different environments

Qualities

• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills and ability to work well in an interdisciplinary and international team
• Highly motivated and independent
• Organized, dedicated and reliable

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: Mechanobiology Institute

Department : Research

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 22734