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PhD Student Disc and Cartilage Biology (ID1891)

The AO is a medically guided, not-for-profit organization, a global network of surgeons, and the world's leading education, innovation, and research organization specializing in the surgical treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. We are home to people from all over the world, from different backgrounds, with diverse talents and specialist areas. What binds us together is our passion for excellence, our dedication to our mission of improving patient care, and our understanding that we are stronger together : we are one AO.

Short Description

ARI's Regenerative Orthopaedics program is a multidisciplinary team taking a holistic approach to regenerative medicine for the repair of musculoskeletal injuries and degeneration. We combine specialist knowledge in cell and molecular biology, microbiology, polymer chemistry, and bioengineering to investigate cell-material interactions in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. We are highly experienced in the development of ex vivo organ models and complex bioreactor systems that are used to apply physiological load and reduce the number of animal studies required in accordance with 3R principles. The objectives of this consortium project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation are the fabrication of a full intervertebral disc model using cells and biomaterials, the implementation of degenerative conditions and mechanical loading, and the validation of the system through interaction with immune cells and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Main Responsibilities

The doctoral candidate will work at the AO Research Institute Davos and focus on the fabrication of a mechanically loaded cell seeded intervertebral disc model. You will be working with various 3D bio-printed intervertebral disc models, consisting of nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus and endplate parts. The constructs will be fit into uniaxial and multiaxial bioreactor systems and cultured under mechanical loading with or without a proinflammatory component. You will be involved in every aspect of design, application, and validation of innovative preclinical models that will help to understand mechanisms of disc degeneration and to test new therapies for patients suffering from discogenic low back pain. Towards this aim, you will closely collaborate with a second doctoral student working on the same project, and with our French project partners from Nantes University and Sorbonne University.

As mentioned above, this project is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, which is also supporting another PhD student position in the same institute on the topic of 3D bioprinting and immunomodulatory biomaterials. There will be close collaboration between these 2 PhD students.

Main Requirements

• We are looking for a candidate with a background in biomedical sciences and interest in tissue engineering, who will collaborate in a multidisciplinary team, consisting of fundamental and clinical scientists from many specialties, including biology, chemistry, biomechanics and modelling.
• An ideal candidate will have an MSc degree with excellent marks from previous studies along with experience in the field of cell biology, biochemistry, or bioengineering.
• Practical experience in cell / tissue culture is required.
• Experience in biochemical and molecular biological analysis techniques is also desired.
• The candidate must be enthusiastic and excited about the field of regenerative medicine, with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• The early-stage researcher will be a member of the Disc and Cartilage Biology Focus Area within the Regenerative Orthopaedics Program, with excellent facilities and experienced translational research teams.
• In addition, the doctoral student will join a PhD Programme within the D-HEST of ETH Zürich. ETH Zürich offers access to a variety of post-graduate training from introductory courses to academic transferable skills.
• We require good English language skills, and a work ethic suitable to the challenges we plan to offer.
• Familiarity with a cross-cultural / interdisciplinary environment is an advantage.
• Eligibility to apply and obtain a Visa for temporary residence is Switzerland is essential.
• The starting date is June 1st, 2026 and duration of the role is 4 years.

Benefits