Research Assistant, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Applications are invited for a temporary post of a Research Assistant within UCD School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Articular cartilage (AC) has a complex zonal structure and composition, providing it with its essential functional properties. However, when cartilage is damaged, the zonal complexity does not regenerate, leaving an inferior tissue which is prone to degeneration. As a result, cartilage injury commonly leads to pain and the eventual need for joint replacement. Progress towards true regeneration of articular cartilage requires an advance in understanding of how the tissue develops postnatally. In particular, the relationship between the structure, composition and function of developing articular cartilage remains poorly understood.

The objective of this project, which is a collaboration with Northeastern University, USA, is to quantify the sequence of events by which the structure, composition and function of articular cartilage emerge over development. We will assess collagen network organization, collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents, and mechanical properties (using the Biomomentum and inverse finite element modeling). Understanding the progression of AC matrix development will enable novel, developmentally inspired methods and approaches for cartilage tissue engineering. Furthermore, the detailed description of the progression of AC development will provide a gold-standard of optimal matrix maturation to compare interim cartilage tissue engineering outcomes against.

Salary Range: €30,025 - €39,908 Per Annum

Appointment on the above range will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on the 7th of February 2024

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 17:00hrs (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.

UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.

Prior to application, further information (including application procedure) should be obtained from the Work at UCD website: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/