Engineering 3D cell-matrix interfaces for cell delivery, regenerative therapies and disease modelling

Most regenerative therapies instruct cells using soluble factors and defined biochemical culture conditions. The Amer Lab takes a different approach: engineering cell-matrix interactions to understand and direct how stem cells build and repair tissue. This creates opportunities to develop more controllable regenerative platforms and better predictive human in vitro models, working at the interface of cell biology, biomaterials and clinical translation.

Dr. Mahetab Amer is seeking motivated students to join her dynamic multidisciplinary research group at the Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Manchester. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. PhD projects offer cross-disciplinary training and collaboration across one or more of the following broad themes:

• Engineering cell-instructive biomaterial platforms for cell delivery and regenerative medicine applications.
• Dissecting molecular mechanisms by which cell-matrix interactions regulate differentiation and stem cell fate.
• Building 3D human in vitro models of bone disease, e.g. osteoporosis or bone cancers, to study disease mechanisms and reduce reliance on animal models.

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum 2:1 Bachelors Degree with Honours (or equivalent) in a relevant field, including bioengineering, stem cell biology, tissue engineering, medicine or pharmaceutical sciences. Candidates with experience in cell culture and/or with an interest in biomaterials are encouraged to apply.