Postdoctoral Position in Diabetic Fracture Healing, FOXO1, Primary Cilia, and Regenerative Biomaterials

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Dana Graves, University of Pennsylvania, to study why diabetes disrupts fracture healing and to develop a new local therapeutic strategy to restore bone repair. This project builds on compelling data showing that lineage-specific deletion of FOXO1 in chondrocytes or osteoblasts fully rescues diabetes-impaired fracture healing, as measured by histology, microCT, and mechanical testing. We have also found that loss of primary cilia in these same skeletal lineages reproduces key features of diabetic fracture healing. Together, these findings point to a novel FOXO1-primary cilia axis as a central regulator of skeletal repair in diabetes.

The successful candidate will investigate how diabetes-driven FOXO1 activity suppresses ciliogenesis and regenerative signaling in chondrocytes and osteoblasts. The project will use conditional mouse models targeting FOXO1, IFT80, and combined FOXO1/IFT80 deletion; diabetic fracture models; spatial transcriptomics; single-cell RNA sequencing; histology; immunostaining; microCT; and biomechanical testing.

A major translational component will test a newly developed nanofiber hydrogel carrying an IGF-1 mimetic, NFH-IGF, designed for controlled local release at the fracture site. The goal is to determine whether NFH-IGF can restore cilia-dependent signaling, suppress FOXO1 activity, and improve fracture healing in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Qualifications
Applicants should have a PhD, MD, DMD, DVM, or equivalent degree in skeletal biology, cell biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, diabetes biology, immunology, or a related field. Experience with mouse models, bone or cartilage biology, fracture healing, imaging, molecular assays, spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNAseq, or bioinformatics is desirable.

Application Instructions
This position offers an opportunity to work at the interface of skeletal biology, diabetes complications, primary cilia signaling, regenerative biomaterials, and high-dimensional genomics, with strong potential for high-impact mechanistic and translational discoveries.

To apply, send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references and submit through interfolio.