PhD position : Degradable Scaffolds From Emulsion Templates for Tissue Engineering

Job Description

In the frame of the HIPE-PePs project funded by the National Fund for the Scientific Research (FNRS), the Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM) at the University of Liege (ULiege, Belgium) has opened a full-time, 4-year, fully-funded PhD position in the field of macroporous polymer scaffolds for cell culture and tissue engineering.

Summary - Porous scaffolds of biodegradable polymers are attractive biomaterials for tissue engineering. Selecting scaffolds well-adapted to tissue/cells type is key to favor cells growth and tissue regeneration. The HIPE-PePs project aims to structure 3D-porous scaffolds by using high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) as templates. Polyphosphoesters (PPEs) matrices have been selected owing their tunable hydrophilicity, biocompatibility and degradability. Strategies for decorating the scaffolds surface by bioactive ligands will be considered to promote cells adhesion. Because the scaffold topography impacts the cell proliferation, migration and tissue reconstruction, monodisperse emulsion templates will be generated via µfluidics to produce scaffolds with organized porosities. Thorough structural, mechanical and physico-chemical characterization of these bioactive and biodegradable scaffolds will be performed and their bio-performances will be evaluated in vitro and in vivo.

Your profile

- Candidates should have MSc degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.

- Strong background in material science.

- Good writing and oral communication skills (English).

- High level of motivation and initiative

- Ability to collaborate with colleagues and researchers from other groups and Universities.

Our Offer

The Centre for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM) of the University of Liege is a multidisciplinary group internationally renowned for its expertise in macromolecular chemistry which offers a very stimulating environment for a search of quality.

- A full-time 4 years PhD position

- State-of-the art equipment

- A monthly salary of € 2000

Information application

Please submit your application before 31st of January 2022 by email to Prof. Christine Jérôme ([email protected] ) and Dr. Antoine Debuigne ([email protected] ). Include :

• A cover letter of at most 1 page A4, explaining specific interests/motivation for the application and the suitability of your profile for this project.
• A full Curriculum Vitae.
• A letter of reference or contact details (name, affiliation, phone number and e-mail) of one person who can provide a reference letter.