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Project title: Creating vascularization in 3D bioprinted tissue by Stromal Vascular Fraction and fat derived stem cells
Job assignments
The PhD education in Medical Science comprises carrying out a scientific project and completing at least 30 credits of courses at third-cycle level. The doctoral student must also write a scientific compilation thesis or monograph corresponding to at least 120 credits. For more information about third-cycle studies at Sahlgrenska Academy, see https://www.gu.se/en/sahlgrenska-akademin/doctoral-studies
Project: In recent years, 3D-bioprinting has emerged as a technology for tissue biofabrication. The process represents a form of additive manufacturing that employs bioinks harboring cells from the patient that are used for layer-by-layer printing of a desired 3D shape. Using 3D-printed replacement tissue potentially eliminates the disadvantages associated with using foreign material; however, current 3D-printed grafts generally lack vascularization, which severely restricts their size, given that they rely on diffusion to provide oxygen and nutrients. The diffusion range varies from ~200 µm to ~250 µm, which means that a construct totally dependent on diffusion cannot be thicker than 0.5 mm. This is likely the most critical obstacle to 3D-bioprinted constructs attaining clinical relevance.
This doctoral project has 4 specific aims, each corresponding to a tentative publication as part of a final thesis.
Aim 1: To determine the maximum graft thickness compatible with adequate nutrient and oxygen supplies when printing in a porous 3D grid as compared with solid printing
Aim 2: To determine whether the maximum thickness can be increased by seeding the grid pores with mature endothelial cells and/or EPCs from SVF.
Aim 3: To determine the maximum graft thickness compatible with adequate nutrient and oxygen supplies when printing with microfractured fat tissue and evaluate the formation of a vascular network formation in these grafts.
Aim 4: To determine whether a combination of microfractured fat and SVF or fat derived stem cells can improve vascularization further.
The studies include preparation of SVF and stem cells from fat tissue, cell sorting with FACS, cell culturing, 3D bioprinting, in vitro and in vivo experiments with cells, tissues and 3D bioprinted constructs. The applicant should to be able to directly work independently in a lab environment.
Third-cycle studies are equivalent to four year full-time and lead to a Degree of Doctor. Those appointed to doctoral studentships shall primarily devote themselves to their studies. Those appointed to doctoral studentships may, however, work to a limited extent with educational tasks, research and administration (departmental duties). Before a PhD degree has been awarded, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20 per cent of a full-time post.
Eligibility
To be eligible for third-cycle studies, the applicant must meet both the general and specific entry requirements.
A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies if he or she:
1. has been awarded a second-cycle qualification
2. has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
3. has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad
A person meets the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies in Medical Science if he or she has successfully completed the English B/6 course or is considered to have acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies
Assessment
In selecting between applicants who meet the general and specific entry requirements, their ability to benefit from third-cycle studies shall be taken into account. The assessment shall attach particular importance to documented qualifications for:
– specific knowledge and skills within the subject area and related research fields
– experience of scientific theory and relevant research methodology
– scientific analysis and presentation verified through thesis, degree project, scientific journals or the like.
Documented experience with applicable techniques such as 3D bioprinting with hydrogels, cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser microscopy, TOF-SIMS and AFM are of value.
Employment
After admission to third-cycle studies you will be appointed to doctoral studentship. Regulations for employment of doctoral students are given in SFS 1993:100. The initial appointment may apply for no longer than one year. An appointment may be renewed for no more than two years at a time. A person may be appointed to a doctoral studentship for a total of eight years. The total employment period may, however, not exceed the time corresponding to full-time third-cycle study for four years.
Location: Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Plastic Surgery. Extent: 100%. First day of employment: as agreed.
Salaries for doctoral students are regulated in a local agreement at the University.
For further information regarding the position
For more information about the project please contact the principal supervisor,
Lars Kölby, Professor, Institute of Clinical Sciences,
phone: +46-706451155, e-mail: lars.kolby@surgery.gu.se
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply
Information for International Applicants
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How to apply
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.
You must include the following, in pdf format
- Personal letter
- CV
- Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement
- Proof of completion of English 6 course or the acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies
If your degree is from a university outside of Sweden, make sure that you attach a diploma and full transcripts that makes assessing your degree easier.
If your degree has not been verified by a Swedish authority you need to provide contact details to the issuing university, registrar or similar, that can verify the degree at our request.
For information on what you need to submit in order to fulfill the English language requirement see https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Closing date: 2021-11-09
The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.
Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.
In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.