Post Doc Disc and Cartilage Biology

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The candidate will work within an interdisciplinary team to contribute to the overall aim of the SINPAIN project. Towards this aim the candidate will establish 3D OA model in bi-layered constructs for chondrocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells co-culture, and chondrocytes, sensory neurons co-culture. The transfection efficiency and treatment efficacy of RNA functionalized nanotherapeutics will be tested for inhibition of chondrocytes fibrosis and neuronal sprouting under inflammatory OA condition. A unique bioreactor system developed at the AO Research Institute Davos will be used, mimicking the physiological biomechanical environment within the knee joint. The main objective is to assess the efficacy of the novel gene therapies in the 3D OA model within the bioreactor.

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Postdoctoral Position at the AO Research Institute Davos

The current job opportunity is supported by the HORIZON EUROPE project entitled “A game changer for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a cost effective combined advanced therapy to treat knee osteoarthritis” (SINPAIN). The consortium addresses an unmet clinical need and societal problem that represents the leading cause of disability and morbidity worldwide, namely osteoarthritis (OA). Taking advantage of the explosion of RNA technologies in the last years, the SINPAIN consortium aims to develop a pipeline of siRNA-based therapy to reach a successful management of inflammation and innervation for the treatment of knee OA. In parallel, large effort will focus on understanding the pathological mechanisms of OA. To validate efficacy in relevant potency assays, 3D coculture models will be developed with human cells and tested in unique bioreactors mimicking joint environment and biomechanics. The products of SINPAIN will be validated in vivo in a relevant OA animal model. Based on all the data obtained during the project, a decision-making tool based on machine learning will be validated to offer patients a personalized therapy.
The post-doctoral fellow will be working in the Disc and Cartilage Biology Focus Area of the Regenerative Orthopaedics Program at the AO Research Institute Davos (ARI), Switzerland. There will be a close collaboration with the other project partners, who are based in Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Italy, UK, and the USA.

Expertise
PhD in biology, biomedical engineering or related field, with academic excellence in research, demonstrated by an outstanding publication record. Solid grounding in cell/tissue culture, cellular and molecular biology, biochemical and molecular biological analysis is required. Integrative thinking, management of complex projects, and teaching experience are considered a plus.
The ideal applicant is enthusiastic, creative, with excellent communication skills and can work in a multidisciplinary team. You will also be expected to supervise and teach students and fellows of the research team.