PhD Student: Hydrogel Mechanics & Esophageal Cancer

Institute for bioengineering of Catalonia, IBEC; España; On-site; EUR 14,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) seeks a PhD student to develop in vitro models of the esophageal epithelium and study how cell and matrix mechanics influence cancer initiation. Work includes engineering viscoelastic hydrogels and characterizing them with Brillouin and traction force microscopy.

The role is funded through a Fundación Científica Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer project and involves collaboration with Dr Albert Herms (IDIBAPS).

Qualifications

• Degree and Master in physics, biology or engineering.
• Multidisciplinary background and knowledge of hydrogels and cell biology are a plus.
• Strong English skills and collaborative mindset.
• Candidates must not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree.

Responsibilities

• Develop in vitro models of the esophageal epithelium.
• Engineer viscoelastic hydrogels for epithelial growth.
• Characterize hydrogels using mechanobiology techniques.
• Conduct live microscopy and mechanical property studies.

Skills

Interdisciplinary background

English proficiency

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Master's degree in physics/biology/engineering

Bachelor's degree in any field

Tools

Brillouin microscopy

Traction force microscopy

Hydrogel synthesis

Cell culture

Job description

Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) seeks a PhD student to develop in vitro models of the esophageal epithelium and study how cell and matrix mechanics influence cancer initiation. Work includes engineering viscoelastic hydrogels and characterizing them with Brillouin and traction force microscopy.

The role is funded through a Fundación Científica Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer project and involves collaboration with Dr Albert Herms (IDIBAPS).