Applications are invited for a temporary post of a Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 or Level 2 within UCD School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering.

An important risk factor for osteoarthritis is the presence of damage known as a focal cartilage defect. Focal defects in adult cartilage do not heal effectively, due to articular cartilage's limited capacity for spontaneous repair. In contrast, defects in immature cartilage undergo spontaneous regeneration. However, the process of repair and regeneration in immature tissues is poorly understood. This research project will investigate how regeneration of immature cartilage occurs, and determine if the superior healing capacity of neonatal AC can be harnessed to bring about healing of adult defects.

The structure, composition and function of defect repair tissue will be quantified and how its boundaries evolve over the healing timecourse. Next the project will investigate when and how spontaneous regenerative capacity is lost with maturation, and identify the mechanisms underlying the regenerative capacity of immature cartilage using RNA sequencing techniques.

The ultimate goal of this research is that developmentally-inspired cues applied to a cartilage defect site would bring about true regeneration. This goal, if achieved, would revolutionise treatment and management of cartilage defects and injuries worldwide.

Salary: 41,209 - 47,477 per annum

Appointment on the above range will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 4th January 2023.

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 17:00hrs (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications. UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.

Prior to application, further information (including application procedure) should be obtained from the Work at UCD website: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/