PhD position: Rationally engineered hydrogels to control osteogenesis via mechanoregulation (P2603)100% position for 4 years, earliest starting date: 1 January 2027 We aim to pursue a new interdisciplinary approach, combining the synthesis of multi-functional culture-matrices with cell-instructive viscoelastic properties, in-depth cell characterisation, and computational modelling to investigate the relationship between matrix properties and osteogenesis. This will contribute to deciphering the importance of mechanical stimulation of the cellular microenvironment, and advance understanding of osteoinductive scaffold development in bone tissue engineering. Our three objectives are a) to rationally engineer hydrogels tuned to the specific mechanical requirements for osteogenesis b) to dissect how targeted manipulation of the hydrogel affects mechanoregulation in human dental pulp stem cells, and c) to propose a computational model to elucidate and predict the cell response. A key innovation in this PhD project is to engineer environmentally (cell)-instructive hydrogels with controlled architecture (pore size, network interconnectivity) and mechanical properties (viscoelasticity) to recapitulate the mechanical micro-environment of the jawbone. Mechanosensitive complexes within the hydrogel form stimuli-responsive cross-links that adjust hydrogel viscoelasticity as a function of cytoskeletal tension, guiding cell growth. Your positionWe aim to pursue a new interdisciplinary approach, combining the synthesis of multi-functional culture-matrices with cell-instructive viscoelastic properties, in-depth cell characterisation, and computational modelling to investigate the relationship between matrix properties and osteogenesis. This will contribute to deciphering the importance of mechanical stimulation of the cellular microenvironment, and advance understanding of osteoinductive scaffold development in bone tissue engineering. Our three objectives are a) to rationally engineer hydrogels tuned to the specific mechanical requirements for osteogenesis b) to dissect how targeted manipulation of the hydrogel affects mechanoregulation in human dental pulp stem cells, and c) to propose a computational model to elucidate and predict the cell response.
A key innovation in this PhD project is to engineer environmentally (cell)-instructive hydrogels with controlled architecture (pore size, network interconnectivity) and mechanical properties (viscoelasticity) to recapitulate the mechanical micro-environment of the jawbone. Mechanosensitive complexes within the hydrogel form stimuli-responsive cross-links that adjust hydrogel viscoelasticity as a function of cytoskeletal tension, guiding cell growth.
Your profileWe are looking for a highly self-driven candidate with a hands-on work attitude who is interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary project in the field of biology, tissue engineering, material science, and chemistry. Complementary to experimental work, the candidate will work on computational models to understand and predict correlations. Candidates should hold a Master in Nanosciences, Biomedical Engineering, Health Sciences and Technology, Biology, Chemistry, or similar, from an institute of higher education that is accepted by the University of Basel. Experience in the following areas are of special interest:
We offer youWe are an interdisciplinary and international team with highly collaborative research questions and therefore value diversity in interest and personal background. We offer a friendly and pleasant working atmosphere with freedom to develop your own ideas. Specifically, we offer
Application / Contact
More information and the online application platform can be found at www.phd.nanoscience.ch. For questions, please contact the head of the SNI PhD programme, Dr. Andreas Baumgartner (andreas.baumgartner@unibas.ch), or directly the project leaders. The application has to be completed before 31 December 2026. Please note that the vacancy can be filled any time from now. Apply
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