
Human extracellular matrix based hydrogel for clinical applications and organotypic skin models
After injury to the skin, tissue repair involving extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition within the dermis results in scar formation. The human dermis contains many different ECM proteins e.g. collagen (type I and III), elastin, proteoglycans and glycoproteins. Fibroblasts are the most abundant cell type within the dermis and their primary role is to secrete ECM components. Both migration of fibroblasts into the wound bed and the deposition of the ECM proteins determine the final quality of the scar with negligible scarring occurring in superficial wounds.
Current dermal templates used in the clinic only contain a limited number of ECM proteins e.g. collagen-elastin or collagen-glycosaminoglycan, and are produced in dermal sheets which are difficult to place and cover the wound bed. In addition, these dermal templates often contain animal components.
Currently rat tail collagen is the golden standard hydrogel for reconstructed human skin (RhS) models. It enables fibroblasts to grow as single cells in 3D similar to in human dermis. However, this model also has disadvantages. The hydrogel contains animal derived components (rat tail collagen), consists of a single animal derived ECM protein, the RhS shrinks with extended time in culture, and moreover it is not representative of human dermis and is not suitable for use in the clinic.
The aim of this project is to develop a novel human extracellular matrix (hECM) based hydrogel which:
i) will replace the use of rat tail collagen in reconstructed human skin models;
ii) provide a fully human based hydrogel which can be used as a dermal matrix for clinical applications.
As research technician you will be expected to perform the following tasks:
We are looking for a highly talented, enthusiastic, and exceptionally motivated research technician:
Salary scale: 7 (€ 2.422 to € 3.280 based on a 36 hour week), depending on qualifications and experience.
The position is for a period of 1 year. After a good evaluation, and depending on available finance, your contract can be extended with an additional period of max. 3 years.
In addition we offer:
You will be employed by the Dept. Plastic Reconstructive and Hand Surgery and will be working within the Skinlab of Prof. Gibbs, under the direct supervision of Dr. Korkmaz, in the department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology (MCBI) of the Amsterdam UMC, located in the O|2 building in Amsterdam. Within Skinlab we aim to develop state of the art in vitro models for skin research.
MCBI hosts the core facilities for microscopy and flow cytometry, and provides relevant education including e.g. microscopy and flow cytometry courses. The research tasks are closely embedded in ongoing research activities of the participating departments. This research is performed in close collaboration with the Association of Dutch Burn Centres (ADBC), the Burn center, Red Cross Hospital in Beverwijk and is financed by the Euro Tissue Bank (ETB-BISLIFE).
Your application must include a one-page personal motivation letter, a CV including the names and contact details of two recent references. Only complete applications will be considered.
For more information about this position, you can contact dr. H. Ibrahim Korkmaz, via email h.korkmaz@amsterdamumc.nl
For more information about the application procedure, you can contact Tanja Hart, corporate recruiter, via 06-21603178 of t.hart@amsterdamumc.nl
You can apply till 12 September 2022