Postdoctoral Research Position in Musculoskeletal Mechanobiology & Immunology at Trinity College Dublin
Overview
The Hoey Lab at Trinity College Dublin has 1x Postdoctoral position available in Musculoskeletal Mechanobiology & Immunology. Application deadline is 30 October 2025.
Project title
Mechano-immunomodulatory strategies for bone fracture repair
Project description
Every 3 seconds a person suffers an osteoporosis (OP) related bone fracture, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality and costs of €36 billion p.a. in the EU. Fracture healing is a complex, highly regulated process involving consecutive phases of inflammation, repair and remodelling. Current therapies are ineffective, targeting the repair phase, but non-healing is associated with altered macrophage (Mφ) phenotype and inflammation. A potent regulator of repair is mechanical loading, yet whether mechanics modulate Mφ phenotype, contributing to bone regeneration, is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this project is to decipher the contribution of local mechanics on Mφ phenotype/function during bone repair and harness this information to develop novel strategies to modulate inflammation and promote repair. This will be achieved by determining the impact of loading within the haematoma on Mφ phenotype/secretome and by deciphering the mechanisms of Mφ mechanotransduction and mechanosignalling. The knowledge generated will represent a profound advance in our understanding of mechano-immunology, which will facilitate the direct manipulation of Mφ via novel mechano-biologics. Importantly, by combining these biologics with innovative materials, this project will develop mechano-immunomodulatory materials that would target the early immune environment, providing an innovative alternative path to treatment.
Postdoctoral researcher
The ideal applicant will have a PhD in biomedical engineering, immunology, or a related discipline. Previous experience in small animal preclinical models of bone repair, histology, or flow cytometry would be highly advantageous but not essential. An excellent publication record and/or development of intellectual property would also be advantageous.
How to apply
CVs with the names and addresses of three referees should be submitted via email to Prof. David Hoey at dahoey@tcd.ie. Application deadline is 30 September 2025, with a preferred start date of January 2026. Only short-listed applications will be acknowledged.
Further information
www.hoeylab.com
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