A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available for highly motivated candidates with a background in tissue engineering in the group of Dr. Stefan Jockenhoevel at the Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Aachen University, Germany. The research project involves the development of autologous, fibrin-based tissue-engineered heart valves for surgical replacement of diseased valves. Our previous research in this area has involved optimisation of the fibrin-based scaffold and the identification of suitable cell sources, development of bioreactors for in vitro conditioning of the valves, and analysis of the structural stability of these valves in vivo. The current project is to further investigate the potential clinical application of these valves in the paediatric population by analysing their growth in an in vivo model. The research skills required include cell culture, scaffold design, bioreactor development, histology, immunofluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy, protein quantification, mechanical testing, animal models, etc. Please visit our lab website for further information on our research at www.ame.hia.rwth-aachen.de.
The candidate must have a Ph.D. degree in a tissue engineering- or biomaterials-related area with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Candidates with prior experience in the above techniques are preferred. Excellent communication skills in English (both verbal and written) are required. Interested candidates should send a cover letter of interest and CV, along with names and contact information of at least three referees, to either:
Dr. Stefan Jockenhoevel (jockenhoevel@hia.rwth-aachen.de)
or,
Dr. Thomas Flanagan (flanagan@hia.rwth-aachen.de)
Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Group,
Department of Applied Medical Engineering,
Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering,
Aachen University,
Pauwelsstrasse 20
52074 Aachen, Germany
This post is available for 24 months from August 1st, 2008.
Deadline for application: Friday, July 11th, 2008 at 12:00pm (CET).
