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Research Fellow ORUK funded project - A novel approach for the prevention and treatment of heteroto

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Apr 18, 2018

Job Details

To contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within a ORUK funded project – A novel approach for the prevention and treatment of heterotopic ossification

After injury or surgery, new bone can form in the wrong place in the body. This can be painful and can mean that joints cannot move as well as they should. Patients with this condition can be severely disabled, even if they have recovered from the injury or surgery that started it off. People who need to have an amputation because of very severe injuries are at high risk of this problem. These patients are often young and active and have every chance of being able to live independent lives by using artificial limbs. Unfortunately, new bone growth in the stump means that they cannot use artificial limbs and they are forced to use a wheelchair. Other studies report that more than six out of every ten people who are severely injured on the battlefield, up to one in five patients with brain injury, and one in three patients with spinal cord injury are affected. Approximately two out of every hundred patients with severe burns will have this problem.

The aim of this work is to develop a novel, non-surgical, method of treating and preventing heterotopic ossification. We will develop a chemical that disperses the hard part of bone and we aim to find a way of giving it to patients that is better than any current treatments. Our objectives are to understand the problematic bone in more detail than anyone has done before, to work out exactly how the chemical can disperse the hard part of the bone, and to work on the best way to give it to people with this problem. We will also test this treatment to make sure that it is safe and effective. For patients who have surgery or are injured, this treatment could prevent the problem bone from forming. This treatment could also provide patients who already have this problem an alternative to surgery. This treatment may also benefit patients with ankylosing spondylitis or other diseases of pathological ossification.

The candidate will focus on chemical mapping and analysis of heterotopic bone samples and the effect of the developed demineralising agent on model systems. Techniques including, but not limited to, micro-XRF and Raman mapping will be employed to determine how the mineral in pathological samples evolves over time and indicate what the chemical drivers for this bone formation are.

PhD in a relevant discipline involving significant chemical mapping or spectroscopic analysis of biological tissues and biomaterials and, a strong interest in multidisciplinary science.

  • First degree (2:1 or above) in a scientific or engineering discipline
  • High level analytical capability and experience of spectroscopic analysis (e.g. Raman, IR, XRF) of biological tissues and biomaterials
  • Basic knowledge of calcium phosphate chemistry related to bone and bone replacement materials
  • Ability to communicate complex information clearly
  • Experience of disseminating research through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
  • Ability to work to defined deadlines independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent organisational skills including the ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
  • Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes

Company

Global Academy Jobs works with over 250 universities worldwide to promote academic mobility and international research collaboration. Global problems need international solutions. Our jobs board and emails reach the academics and researchers who can help.

"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

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