POST DOCTORAL FELLOW - Materials Science and Engineering #00093250

Materials Science and Engineering

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join our multidisciplinary team and lead a project investigating the structure-property-function relationships in gelatin-based copolymer scaffolds for tissue regeneration. This position will focus on understanding how scaffold composition, degradation rates, mechanical properties, nanoscale architecture, gelatin localization within phase-separated domains, and microstructural porosity influence cellular behaviors and tissue formation. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of advanced biomaterials optimized for regenerative medicine applications, integrating materials science, polymer chemistry, and cell biology to achieve project goals.

The postdoctoral researcher will develop and synthesize gelatin-based copolymer scaffolds using RAFT-mediated polymerization and polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), systematically varying properties such as degree of polymerization, DMA/DAAm ratios, gelatin grafting densities, and solids content during 3D printing. The candidate will perform detailed material characterization, including mechanical testing to evaluate tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break, as well as degradation studies through mass loss measurements and gel permeation chromatography to monitor changes in molecular weight distribution. Advanced imaging techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) will be used to analyze scaffold microstructure and nanoscale features, with a focus on phase-separated domains and gelatin localization. The researcher will also employ fluorescently labeled dextran penetration assays to assess scaffold porosity and nutrient diffusion capabilities.

In parallel with material characterization, the postdoctoral researcher will conduct cell-material interaction studies using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). These studies will evaluate cell viability, proliferation, adhesion, spreading, migration, and ECM production on scaffolds with systematically varied properties. The candidate will investigate mechanotransduction signaling pathways, including YAP/TAZ and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), using techniques such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR. Functional assays will assess angiogenic potential through tube formation by HUVECs and ECM remodeling capabilities through collagen gel contraction by HDFs. Imaging techniques, including confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry, will be used to visualize cellular responses and ECM deposition. The researcher will integrate data from material and cell studies to correlate scaffold composition and structural properties with observed cellular behaviors, elucidating the relationships between scaffold design parameters and tissue formation.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in biomaterials, materials science, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, polymer chemistry, or a related field. They will possess a strong background in polymer synthesis and characterization, with demonstrated expertise in RAFT polymerization and, preferably, its application in 3D printing. The candidate should have experience with advanced material characterization methods, including SEM, AFM, tensile testing, and GPC, as well as cell culture techniques involving primary or immortalized human cell lines. Expertise in cellular assays such as viability/proliferation tests, immunofluorescence staining, mechanotransduction analysis, and functional assays like tube formation or ECM remodeling is highly desirable. Strong data analysis skills, including statistical analysis and proficiency with tools such as MATLAB, R, Python, or GraphPad Prism, are essential. The preferred candidate will also have experience with protein adsorption studies, particularly using techniques such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) or quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), and advanced imaging modalities such as TEM or CLSM.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and a track record of publishing high-quality research articles. They should have the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment. Prior experience managing complex projects, mentoring students, or leading research teams is an asset. A preferred candidate will have prior experience applying RAFT polymerization to 3D printing applications, leveraging this expertise to advance scaffold fabrication methodologies. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in biomaterials science. The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, present findings at conferences, and publish results in
peer-reviewed journals.

Posted until filled.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

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