Research Fellow (Mechanobiology Institute)
Job Description
The Mechanobiology Institute (MBI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is a leading multi-disciplinary institute devoted to developing new paradigms for understanding biological functions in health and diseases from the perspective of cell, tissue and organ mechanics/dynamics and mechano-signal transduction. The institute operates on a fully integrated open-lab philosophy, with an extensive infrastructure supported by core facilities dedicated to technology such as state-of-the-art light microscopy, nano- and micro- fabrication, and computing.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Cellular Mechanobiology to join the efforts of Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young’s Soft Nano-Biomaterials group in a project focused on uncovering new mechanistic insights into extracellular matrix (ECM)-based regulation of cardiac aging and disease. Specifically, this project aims to apply stiffness gradient hydrogels that enable the investigation of how cardiac cells sense and respond to mechanical features of their microenvironment.
Project
Significant alterations that accumulate in heart tissue during aging lead to the gradual deterioration in cardiac function, increasing the likelihood of contracting age-related cardiovascular disease. Remarkably, the heart stiffens up to four-fold throughout a healthy lifespan, which directly impacts mechanosensitive resident cells, e.g. contractile cardiomyocytes and matrix-regulating cardiac fibroblasts. How cardiac cells adapt and respond to age-specific matrix cues remains a major focus of investigation.
Our lab has developed engineered stiffness gradient hydrogels that recapitulate the mechanical microenvironments of young, aged, and fibrotic myocardium. Building on these systems, the postdoctoral fellow will investigate how matrix mechanics regulate cardiac cell function and aging phenotypes. Ultimately, these studies aim to identify mechanical regimes that preserve cardiac homeostasis or drive dysfunction.
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.
Requirements
Candidates with a PhD in engineering, biology, biomedical sciences, or related fields are encouraged to apply. A strong background in mechanobiology, biomaterials, ECM/tissue biology, cardiac biology, cell biology, nanoindentation, microscopy, or quantitative image analysis will be advantageous, but not all are mandatory. The candidate should possess excellent communication skills, scientific curiosity, 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
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.
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