Microengineered 3D extracellular matrices to investigate cell migration in complex environments
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY USA.
Ideal start date: January 2023.
Two fully-funded doctoral trainee positions are available immediately in the laboratory of Prof. Vinay Abhyankar https://abhyankarlab.org at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA.
The project's main objective is to quantify and understand how cancer, endothelial, and immune cells decide on which direction to migrate in when exposed to combined biophysical and biochemical guidance cues. We will use our recently developed microfluidic technologies to create 3D collagen-based extracellular matrices (ECMs) with spatially graded fiber architectures and introduce controlled soluble factor gradients. Using live-cell tracking and statistical analysis, we will then quantify the hierarchy between guidance cues. This project has long-term implications in dissecting the roles of the multiple cues involved in directed migration, with relevance to early development, endothelial branching, cancer invasion, and immune cell recruitment.
If you are interested, please email Prof. Abhyankar ([email protected] , Subject Line: "Directed cell migration PhD position") with your CV and a short description of your research background. Please include a statement on how you can contribute to this project. The review of applications will begin immediately.