Research Fellow in biomaterial and scaffold design
Overview

CNRS@CREATE, located in Singapore, invites applications for a  position as Research Fellow (postdoctoral researcher) in biomaterial and scaffold design. The research fellow will be hired by CNRS@CREATE and based in Singapore. Singapore is globally recognized for the excellence of its  research, education, innovation. We offer a challenging job which is  part of an integrative project, ScanCellS, at the intersection of engineering and health in an international  environment. The CREATE ecosystem, which involves top-rated world universities  (MIT, NTU, NUS…) provides a unique environment for interdisciplinary research.

This project involves an international collaboration between NTU, NUS, MIT, University of Cambridge through A*Star and SMART CAMP and CNRS in France.

The goal of the program is to design biomaterial scaffolds for neural cell implantation therapy for spinal cord treatment. We will achieve this goal through enhanced biological understanding of the regeneration process of nerve tissue together with optimized engineering methods to prepare biomaterial scaffolds and neural cells (hence ‘ScaNCellS acronym) for a robust manufacturing and successful transplantation into the body.

Job description and main tasks

Here, the work will be devoted to the design of materials and scaffolds for in vitro cell manufacturing and in vivo cell transplantation for neural tissue regeneration in the central nervous system.

Main tasks

Designing and integrating biomaterials and scaffold fabrication/processing design for neural cell therapy:

  • in vitro cell culture and differentiation
  • in vivo scaffold/cell transplantation.

The Research Fellow is expected to design and prepare several regenerative biomaterial systems, and collaborate with other partners for cellularization of the scaffolds and in vitro/in vivo evaluations. In particular, polysaccharide-based systems will be investigated.

Required education and skills

Candidates should have a PhD degree in material science, or a similar degree with an equivalent academic level. At least 2 years as a post-doc working on biomaterials and is fluent in English. Our ideal candidate has several of the following skills and knowledge:

  • Natural polymer physico-chemistry (polysaccharides, chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid)
  • Biomaterial design and fabrication, from material purification, fabrication, sterilization characterization, to implantation and explantation.
  • Solid experience in natural polymer characterization (spectroscopic analyses by FTIR and Raman, mechanical properties, structural analysis by X-ray scattering and electron microscopies)
  • Design of imageable materials for longitudinal follow up in vivo, with material loop-back strategies implying biological readouts (inflammation, resorption, cellular colonization, functional recovery)
  • Chemical modification of polysaccharide (bioconjugation) and biofunctionalization of biomaterials
  • Any specific skill exploitable in the context of this project (dedicated tools or strategies for the design of regenerative biomaterials for SCI treatment)
  • A proven solid research experience in the context of multi-partner research (academic and/or industrial) and a significant publication record in indexed international research journals.

We expect the candidate to be an efficient and autonomous team researcher, have good communication, writing and ethics skills, and have a critical approach to formulation and testing of hypotheses.

The candidate will be given opportunities and is expected to design and execute experiments independently. He/she is also expected to interpret experimental results, and author papers in high-quality journals in areas that are related to the research. The candidate should demonstrate excellent communication skills and should have a strong passion and commitment to science. He/she will also work closely with the Principal Investigator to help supervise and train students and junior lab members and to ensure smooth functioning of an active research program. The candidate will have the opportunity to explore his/her own interests across functions.

Salary and Appointment Terms

The appointment will be based on the agreement with the CNRS@CREATE. We offer competitive salary and the period of employment can be up to 3 years. Expected starting date 1st of Dec. 2020, to be modulated according to Covid constraints.

Salary: gross monthly salary will be minimum s$5000 (12 monthly wages per year)

Bonus: up to 1 month, (conditionally)

Benefits: as a full-time employee, you will be eligible for the benefits that CNRS@CREATE offers.

Further information & contact

Further information may be obtained from Pr Laurent DAVID, (CNRS) and Sing Yian Chew (NTU):

Read the job offer on mycareersfuture.sg