The DFG Research Training Group 2901/1 SYLOBIO is investigating mechanisms associated with local and systemic (in)compatibility to biomaterials from endoprosthetic joint replacement and for the treatment of chronic wounds.

As part of this joint research and training program this sub-project (R01) focuses on the characterization of combined skin wound dressings with respect to their regenerative and toxic properties in vitro and ex vivo.

Project description:

Wound dressings are supposed to support healing processes during tissue regeneration. However, biomaterials used in wound dressings may also have negative effects on the regenerative healing processes. Against this background, the subproject R1 investigates local cyto-compatibility of metal-functionalized wound dressings. Therefore, innovative degradable electro-spun and with silver or titanium dioxide coated nanofiber fleeces as well as commercially available wound dressings (reference) will be tested for their cytotoxicity, DNA toxicity as well as mutagenicity. Furthermore, a combination of selected novel and metal-functionalized wound dressings with cold atmospheric plasma will be assessed in vitro and ex vivo for their cytotoxic and regenerative properties. The results will be correlated with longitudinal omics-data of the population-based epidemiological Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND).

Envisaged thesis topic

Assessment of cyto- and DNA toxicity as well as mutagenicity of electro-spun and silver or titanium dioxide coated wound dressings in vitro.

Contacts: Dr. Lars Böckmann / Prof. Steffen Emmert

Email: lars.boeckmann{bei}med.uni-rostock.de / steffen.emmert{bei}med.uni-rostock.de

How to apply:

For more information and how to apply please visit https://karriere.med.uni-rostock.de/karriere/bewerberportal/wissenschaftliches-personal/application-as-a-phd-student-m/f/d-in-the-research-training-group-2901/1-systemic-and-local-reactions-in-case-of-incompatibility-to-biomaterials-for-joint-and-skin-lesions-sylobio-29-e/2024

Organization: Universitätsmedizin Rostock

Department: Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venereology

Research Field: Biology

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country: Germany

Application Deadline: 30.04.2024, 23:59:00

Offer starting date: 01.09.2024

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours per week: 40

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? - HE/MSCA

Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number: 101118430

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? - No

Offer Description:

Short overview of PlasmACT:

The PlasmACT network brings together 5 beneficiaries and 10 associated partners, located in five different countries (Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg). Eight Doctoral candidates will enjoy a multi-disciplinary and international environment with plenty of training opportunities and exchange with all institutions involved in the network.

Scientific Background:

The quality of human (and veterinary) health care systems substantially depends on key innovations. Often, these were driven by the field of physics, followed by interdisciplinary and inter-sectorial actions in engineering, chemistry, biology, and medicine. By using beyond state-of-the-art plasma multijet technology, the primary technical objective of PlasmACT is to support skin cancer prevention by medical gas plasma therapy of Actinic Keratosis. 

The primary objective of this subproject is to test the biological safety of a cold plasma device for the use against actinic keratosis. This testing will be performed at different levels of complexity including cell culture models, in vivo rodent animal models, as well as patient-derived normal skin or actinic keratosis lesions (ex vivo). Cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, DNA-damage, and long-term adverse effects of the treatment will be assessed using cell biology and molecular biology assays as well as state-of-the-art high content imaging microscopy. Given the clinical research environment, the final aim is to support a study with a small volunteer cohort on tolerability aspects of the cold plasma device. In addition, two secondments to an academic and industrial partner institution are already planned to broaden the network and differentiate the student's skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the project provides ample opportunities for professional exchange and networking with other academic and industrial partners.

Requirements:

Research Field: Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, molecular medicine, biomedicine, biochemistry or a related field

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Language: English // Level: Excellent

Additional Information:

Benefits: Doctoral candidates are offered a competitive remuneration based on the MSCA allowances in line with theMSCA WP 2021-2022

Eligibility criteria:

• Applicants must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
• Mobility rule: researchers must not have carried out their main activity (e.g. work, studies) at the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before their recruitment date.
• DC applicants must fulfil the local recruiting requirements. 

Selection process:

Selection process:

Candidates should apply with PlasmACT DN application form available on the project website (www.plasmact.eu) and transcripts as a single file. The application deadline is on 30.04.2024

Submitted applications will be evaluated according to the European Code of Conduct for Recruitment (https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews expected in May 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be notified about the selection process outcome. 

Applicants interested in the position will also have to apply to the PhD Program. Employment will be conditioned by acceptance to the program.

Where to apply: https://plasmact.eu/vacancies/ 

Contact: Lars Boeckmann