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 Biomaterials and Mechanobiology to join the efforts of Asst. Prof. Jennifer Young’s Soft Nano-Biomaterials group in a project that focuses on uncovering new mechanistic insights into extracellular matrix (ECM)-based regulation of cardiac aging. Specifically, this project aims to develop dynamic biomaterials that enable our understanding of ECM contributions to cellular aging.

Project

Significant alterations that accumulate in heart tissue during aging lead to the gradual deterioration of 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.

In earlier work, we demonstrated that stiffening of the developing heart drives cardiomyocyte maturation using a dynamically stiffening biomaterial that matched in vivo values. Here, we build on this strategy to ask if (and, if yes, which) ECM cues are sufficient to age cells in vitro. We will answer this through engineered tunable matrices capable of presenting distinct ECM cues on demand. Further, we will take the opposite approach by normalizing aged ECM using both in vitro biomaterials and ex vivo cultured tissues. These engineered systems will enable us to systematically identify relevant targets and normalization regimes that can ultimately lead to therapeutic targets.

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 bioengineering, biology/mechanobiology, biomaterials, biomedical sciences, or related fields are encouraged to apply. A strong background in ECM/tissue biology, cell biology, molecular biology, 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

Applicants should include 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.