About the Project:
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented early career researcher to join our team on an exciting project in the field of pluripotent stem cells at Dr. Aranguren's laboratory, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) - University of Navarra.
Our research focuses on addressing key fundamental processes hindering the generation of humanized organs in pigs by blastocyst complementation.
Blastocyst complementation is a technique based on the microinjection of exogenous PSCs in a preimplantational tissue-deficient embryo, and consists in the rescue of organ development through the colonization of the empty developmental niche by exogenous cells.
This project aims to develop different strategies to increase human iPSC chimeric potential, and generate interspecific chimeras.
Key Objectives:
1. To understand interspecies barriers in rat-mouse and human-pig models
2. To design innovative methods for generating transplantable organs in pigs
Background:
The number of donor organs available is insufficient to cover the clinical demand for transplantation. Generation of humanized organs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in animal recipients by blastocyst complementation would solve this bottleneck and provide an endless source of organs for clinical use.
Methods:
* Culture and manipulation of PSCs
* CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing techniques
* Microinjection of PSCs into embryos
* Analysis of integration capacity
Qualifications:
* Master's degree in Biological Sciences
* Background in molecular and cellular biology
* Excellent written and oral communication skills
* Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter and CV through the application or to Dr. Xabier Aranguren.