The Laboratory of Dr.
Alessandra Carriero in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The City
College of New York, is offering two PhD Positions in the field of Bone
Multiscale Mechanics and Mechanobiology, and Hearing Biomechanics.
Dr. Carriero’s research focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of bone mechanics and adaptation
in healthy, aging and disease so to aid in the development of new treatment
strategies for bone frailty and deformities, and hearing loss. Dr. Carriero’s lab uses mechanical
engineering methods, material science approaches, high-resolution imaging,
clinical data and biological analysis to reveal how mechanical forces influence
bone growth, maintenance and function. Bone fragility is very
common but yet not well understood. Understanding
the mechanisms of bone failure and hearing loss in frailty has potential to
make a significant positive impact on the quality of life of people worldwide,
while delivering economic benefits to our society.
Position 1: This research will reveal the contribution of bone composition and structure to mechanical properties of bone along its multiscale hierarchy and specifically on its fracture toughness. The specific aims of this PhD project are to 1) investigate the fracture toughness properties of bone using high-resolution imaging acquisition and analysis for bone composition and structure while simultaneously fracturing bone in healthy, disease and treated bone; (2) assess local bone measurements with biomarkers and compare these to the structure/composition and mechanics of bone; (3) develop new multiscale modeling approaches to evaluate fracture resistance in brittle bones and treatments.
Position 2: This research will
contribute to understanding of hearing loss in osteogenesis imperfecta (or
brittle bone disease). The specific aims of this PhD project are to 1) develop
novel high-resolution imaging acquisition analysis for cochlea micromechanics;
(2) assess bone and soft tissue structure, composition and mechanics in mouse
ears; (3) develop modeling approaches to evaluate cochlea mechanics in healthy,
disease and treated conditions.
Both positions will be based at The City College of New York, where the students will be enrolled in the Doctorate Program in Biomedical Engineering, and research will be conducted in collaboration with other institutions in US and UK, particularly Hospital for Special Surgery, Northwestern University, Imperial College and the Diamond Light Source.
The successful candidate holds
or will soon receive a Master’s or an equivalent Degree in Biomedical
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or Mathematics.
A high motivation to work in a pioneering research environment at the interface
between engineering, science and medicine is essential as well as the
enthusiasm to work in an international and multidisciplinary team. Availability
to travel internationally and work with animals is required. Good knowledge of
English (oral and written) is essential. Experience in one or more of the
following is desirable: biomedical research, mechanical testing, experimental
testing of bone, imaging acquisition, imaging processing, computational
modeling techniques.
We look forward to receiving
your application including a motivation letter, CV, university transcripts
and names and contact details of three references. Applications must be
submitted to Dr. Carriero at acarriero@ccny.cuny.edu. The
positions are available immediately
and will last until filled.
For further information about the positions, please contact Dr.
Alessandra Carriero at
acarriero@ccny.cuny.edu.
