PhD/postdoc in multimodular imaging (luminescence and micro/nanoCT) and image processing/analysis for tissue engineering purposes

Prometheus, the division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering (TE) of the KU Leuven, is an interdisciplinary platform focusing on skeletal TE research and technology transfer. The division’s mission and focus is the development of consistent and clinically relevant TE concepts for skeletal applications. Research within this division is translational combining cutting edge developments in research tracks ranging from stem cell biology and nanotechnology to scaffold and bioreactor design, biomedical imaging, preclinical and clinical studies.
In this context, innovations in imaging techniques are fundamental to fully understand the complex events during cell culture and/or in vivo tissue formation. Within Prometheus, the Imaging Team aims at advanced multimodality, multi-tissue imaging.

Description

We are developing and validating advanced imaging techniques for (i) monitoring in vitro and in vivo cell behavior, such as cell viability, gene expression, etc. in a 3D TE construct (i.e. 3D carrier with cells/matrix), (ii) in-depth structural and compositional characterization of potential carrier materials and relate this to their biological performance by empirical modeling and (iii) 3D virtual histology of TE constructs and explants to better understand the mechanisms of 3D tissue formation during bioreactor culture and in vivo implantation. For these purposes, the core imaging techniques are luminescence-based reporter gene imaging and contrast-enhanced micro- and nanofocus X-ray computed tomography (CE-CT).
To implement these imaging techniques in routine screening and for quality control, they should be well validated and standardized for tissue engineering applications. Additionally, the aim is to get more in-depth information from the images as is currently done, for which a crucial step is to implement advanced image processing, analysis and visualization tools.

The candidate will join our interdisciplinary research team and will be responsible for (i) advancing the use of luminescence-based reporter cell measurements (o.a. for cell viability, apoptosis, gene expressing, tissue formation) both for in vitro and in vivo evaluation of TE constructs, (ii) combining the luminescence read-outs with other imaging modalities such as CE-CT and (iii) developing and validating image processing, analysis and visualization strategies for the different imaging modalities. Potential candidates should preferably have a BSc/MSc and/or research experience in the fields of Bio-engineering, Biomedical engineering, Physics, Computer Science or allied disciplines. The candidate should preferably fulfill (at least three of) the criteria below:
- Have experience in luminescent imaging, for in vitro as well as in vivo applications
- Have a good knowledge of other imaging techniques for tissue engineering applications, such as micro/nanoCT
- Have experience in image analysis and processing
- Be willing to integrate in the ‘Imaging team’ while building further on the existing expertise of this team
- Have good communication skills in English, both spoken and written
- Have an interest in bridging the gap between the Engineering and the Biological/Biomedical sciences

Interested applicants may contact Prof. Liesbet Geris (liesbet.geris@mech.kuleuven.be) and Dr. Greet Kerckhofs (greet.kerckhofs@med.kuleuven.be).

Nr of positions available : 1