Positions available
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Open until filled
To fulfil our mission, we shall be recruiting three PhD candidates join a small and highly dynamic team of researchers (biophysicists, biochemists, computational biologists) to work on the following projects
Question 1. How do MATs sense and respond to extracellular fluid and matrix to maintain homeostasis?
In tissue biology, communities of cells interact with the local environment to form whole tissues that then join to become entire organs. Formation of tissue spheroids are the first indicator of MAT units. Unlike single cell layers in 2D, MAT are like 3D cell communities that respond differently to the microenvironment.
Adherent and differentiated cells exist in a tissue matrix that supports their survival and proliferation are constantly being exposed to different environmental cues, but do MAT respond differently to dynamics extracellular conditions, adhesion, fluid flow and microstructure. If so, how we create these extracellular cues to control the fate of MATs?
Many lessons in interconnecting tissue can be learnt from epithelial biology particularly the role of cadherin driven cell junctions. We observed that between different MAT stroma, there are clear cellular networks that are recruited to bridge between MATs. Over time, these narrow “cell-cell bridge” forms between MAT will lead to much larger MATs. This raises the opportunity for us to use both fluid viscosity and fluid flow to continuously control MAT interconnections. The reciprocal feedback between MAT stroma, fluid and their environment will promote de novo-grown MATs so that we can begin to ask complex tissue biology questions related to transition fate of MATs and how MATs grow and mature into different stromal tissue types for different organs.
Unlimited access to cutting edge biophysical tools: SAIL combines 4D imaging and lithography to support and maximise convergence of organoids and spheroids technologies for 3D Cell based assay development
Our expectations: Applicants are required to hold a 1st Class Honours or Master’s degree in the biophysics and/or biological sciences or other basic science disciplines in physics, chemistry and biology. A good command of the English language is necessary. We also welcome cell biologists with previous experience in advanced fluorescence microscopy as well as computational biologists with experience advanced image data analysis. At the ANU, we strongly support equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. We actively encourage applications by women.
Please send an electronic application including your CV, a short motivation letter and two references to Dr W M Steve Lee
