Job Description
The Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) at the National University of Singapore is a multidisciplinary institute dedicated to developing new paradigms in biomedical research. We focus on the quantitative analysis of dynamic functional processes in pathogenesis, tissue regeneration, and function.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow (Research Fellow) to join the efforts of Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young’s Soft Nano-Biomaterials group. This specific project focuses on mechanical and morphological evolution of the insect heart, as part of the recently funded Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) grant awarded to Prof. Young’s lab.
The heart is one of the first organs to form. Genes specifying heart cells (cardioblasts) are highly conserved from insects to humans. Yet, it remains a major challenge to dissect the biophysical processes that first build the heart, including the role of extraembryonic tissues. Here, we bring together two largely separate fields, evolutionary and developmental biology and bioengineering, to tackle this challenge. By combining the strength of comparative approaches in evolutionary biology with quantitative biomechanical measures of cell and tissue properties, we will be able to make advances not possible with more traditional, single approaches.
We will use evolutionary biology methods across four insect species of diverse sizes and geometries and spanning over 400 million years of evolution. Indirect evidence suggests early cardioblasts mechanically adjust to changes in their local environment. By leveraging bioengineering tools to measure and perturb material properties both inside intact embryos and in bioengineered microenvironments for extracted cells and tissues (in vivo, ex ovo, and for isolated cells), we will provide the first quantification of the biophysics of early heart formation across species.
Overall, this project offers unique perspectives to tackle a longstanding problem: how does the heart robustly form? It represents a truly interdisciplinary and international team, bringing a diverse range of skills and approaches. The selected fellow closely will interact with teams lead by the other three co-PIs on the grant (T. Saunders, University of Warwick, UK; K. Panfilio, University of Hohenheim, Germany; A. Sarrazin, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso, Chile) in this collaborative project.
MBI and NUS offer state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to high-resolution imaging and mechanical characterization, supporting the fellow in training, setup, and execution of the project.
Qualifications
Candidates with a PhD in engineering, biology, biomedical sciences, or related fields are encouraged to apply. A strong background in ECM/tissue biology, cell biology, molecular biology, insect model systems, nanoindentation and/or image analysis will be advantageous, but not all are mandatory. The candidate should possess excellent communication skills and the ability to engage in collaborative research in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
Salary and benefits are commensurable to educational qualifications and working experience of the candidates.
To Apply
Interested applicants should upload the following with their online application: 1) a brief description of research interests and experience, and 2) a full CV, with the names and contacts (email addresses) of two to three references. Scientific inquiries about this position can be sent via email to Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young at biejly@nus.edu.sg.
We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
More Information
Location: Kent Ridge Campus
Organization: Mechanobiology Institute
Department : Research
Employee Referral Eligible: No
Job requisition ID : 29510