Research & education opportunities

Helping you choose the right path

This post is funded by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and involves a collaboration between NHSBT Tissue Services, NHSBT Stem Cell Immunotherapies and University of Leeds. NHSBT Tissue Services is the largest tissue bank in the UK whose main function is to retrieve tissue from donors, process and store the tissue and then issue the tissue to UK surgeons for tissue grafting procedures. The post will be based in the Tissue Development Laboratory in Liverpool; this is a purpose built laboratory whose role is to improve existing tissue allografts and develop novel therapies.

The use of cellular and tissue therapies to repair diseased or damaged tissue is an emerging field. The success of many of these therapies is reliant on the delivery and retention of the graft material at the site of implantation. This study will investigate methodologies for processing solid tissue allografts into injectable fluids that retain some of the ultrastructure of the original extracellular matrix (ECM) and which polymerise into a solid gel following administration. This study will investigate the potential of these ECM preparations to act as stand-alone grafts inducing new tissue formation or the potential for them to act as carrier vehicles for bioactive molecules and cells and thereby actively induce the formation of new tissue.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary group consisting of tissue bankers, cell biologists, stem cell biologists and immunologists. You will initially be responsible for the development of a bone-derived soluble ECM that can be used both as a tissue graft and as a combined graft/carrier to deliver powdered demineralised bone matrix (DBM) in a viscous fluid/malleable paste or injectable format. You will then develop similar soluble ECMs from tendon, dermis and amnion. You will develop in vitro assays for investigating the differentiative fate of mesenchymal stem cells added to the soluble ECMs and you will liaise closely with University of Leeds to evaluate the in vivo potential of the DBM soluble ECM.

This is a 3-year position; salary range is £30,460 - £40,157 (probable maximum £35,184). Full details of the position and information on how to apply are available at www.jobs.nhs.uk reference number 918-PP1630A.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact:
Dr. Paul Rooney, 0151 268 7108, paul.rooney@nhsbt.nhs.uk

MSc Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering at UCL

This is a taught masters course, which will deliver state-of-the-art knowledge in biomaterials, bioengineering, tissue engineering, medical engineering and related management topics at masters level. it is designed to be interdisciplinary and attractive to physical science, engineering and life sciences graduates, including those with qualifications in medicine. For more information click here.