Postdoctoral Researchers in Inflammation, Stem Cell Homing, and Microvascular Remodeling:
A major focus of the project will be to investigate the role of sphingosine-1 phosphate receptors on inflammation, circulating stem cell recruitment, and microvascular growth and remodeling. Applicants should have a strong background in cell biology, molecular biology and physiology, as well as proficiency in hands-on laboratory techniques such as cell culture, immunohistochemistry, and (ideally) small animal surgery experience. This work is being done as a part of a collaboration between Drs. Edward Botchwey (Dept. of Biomedical Engineering), Shayn Peirce-Cottler (Dept. of Biomedical Engineering), and Brian Wamhoff (Dept. of Medicine ~ Cardiology Division). The position will remain open until filled.
To apply for this postdoctoral position, please send a cover letter, CV, brief statement of research accomplishments and career goals, and contact information for three references to Dr. Edward Botchwey (botchwey@virginia.edu).
Undergraduate Researchers:
Positions are available for undergraduate students to work as volunteer or "for-credit" research assistants. Limited paid positions for undergraduate research assistants are also available during the summer. Please contact Matt Williams, the Lab Supervisor, mjw3vj@virginia.edu, to arrange a time to meet and discuss research interests.
Allograft Coating for Bone Defects (Cynthia H.)
Investigate methods for coating bone allografts with PEG hydrogels+albumin for better bone allograft incorporation in critical sized bone defects. May work under graduate student guidance and develop skills such as the following: choosing and testing coating formulations with appropriate viscosity, adherence, “shelf” sustainability, and binding properties. Can test coatings in an in vivo rat bone defect study. Animal work skills include: bone graft harvest, graft cleaning and processing, rodent handling, anesthesia, analgesics, sterile techniques, bone defect surgery, tissue harvest, histology, immunohistochemisty, imaging, mechanical testing, and others.
Delivery of S1P receptor-targeted drugs from biodegradable scaffolds (Shaun T.) (2 positions)
We are investigating the controlled release of S1P receptor-targeted drugs from scaffolds composed of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) or PLGA, a biodegradable polymer. PLGA scaffolds loaded with S1P receptor-targeted drugs will be submerged in simulated body fluid, and the releasates will be analyzed with HPLC. This project involves fabricating PLGA scaffolds and coatings, including making microspheres and films. This work also involves training in the principles and equipment used for HPLC sample preparation, including protocols for lipid extraction of the releasates, centrifugation, and solvent evaporation. Students will also be trained in the operation and analysis of HPLC, and the development of HPLC methods (appropriate solvents, solvent flowrate, and detection methods) for the separation and ID of drugs and material byproducts. The quantification of the drug released from different scaffolds (e.g. PLGA with varying molecular weights, lactic and glycolic acid monomer composition, etc.) will be applied in in vivo drug delivery experiments in order to test these effects on vascular remodeling, and enhanced healing of bone defects.
Rodent Tibial Fracture Procedure Assistant (Molly T.)
Mouse tibial fracture is a common model for assessing treatments designed to accelerate bone healing. In the Botchwey Lab, we use a combined drug-biomaterial approach to the fracture repair process, and examine results using X-ray, microCT, and histology. The undergraduate research assistant on this project will learn basic rodent handling, including intraperitoneal and subcutaneous injection skills, and become certified for future animal work at UVA. The student will also learn aseptic technique for small animal surgery as well as post-operative care procedures. For analysis, the student will learn to set parameters for CT scans, harvest tissue samples for histology, and image histological samples on the inverted microscope (fluorescent and brightfield).
Drug Treatments to Control Inflammatory Response (Molly T.)
This project looks at the ability of sphingolipid drugs to affect the body’s response to acute inflammation. Inflammation, or the mitigation of, plays a key role the repair or regeneration of injured tissue. Filter paper, a known irritant, will be inserted subcutaneously, and histological samples will be taken over time to assess inflammatory cell recruitment and fibrous encapsulation. Various drug treatments will be loaded into the filter paper implant to attempt to attenuate this response. The undergraduate research assistant on this project will learn basic rodent handling, including intraperitoneal and subcutaneous injection skills, and become certified for future animal work at UVA. The student will also use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify drug loading on the implant. For analysis, the student will learn to harvest tissue samples for histology, set parameters for CT scans, harvest tissue samples for histology, and image histological samples on the inverted microscope (fluorescent and brightfield).
Growth Factor Delivery for Rodent Bone Defect Repair (Anusuya D.)
Bone remodeling and growth in non-union defects as a function of different growth factors or drugs can be determined in rodent cranial and tibial defect models. Understanding the combinatorial effect of possible therapies and their temporal influence on the reparative process is necessary to isolate the optimal treatment strategy. Our lab has been involved in various forms of surgical studies involving treatment profiles of FTY720, BMP-2 and/or VEGF. Different delivery mechanisms such as chitosan gel and/or microspheres and/or nanfibers will be used in conjunction with these drugs/ factors. The student will assist in various rat and mouse surgical procedures and learn about rodent handling, anesthesia and analgesics, sterile techniques involved in surgery preparation, and use of microCT and Hemavet for analysis. He/she will learn about chitosan gels, aid in making microspheres, and doing release kinetics studies.. He/she will develop an understanding of experimental design and data analysis techniques. Prior animal handling experience is not required, though desired. |
