Scholarship : spatial mapping and quantification of gene expression in an in vivo model of bone adaptation, Switzerland

Mechanical loading is perhaps the most important physiologic factor regulating bone mass and shape. Age related bone loss and consequent osteoporosis have been attributed, at least in part, to the decrease in mechanical usage of the skeleton. Conversely it has been demonstrated that mechanical overloading results in enhanced bone formation, thus a detailed understanding of the biochemical processes governing load regulated bone formation could lead to the identification of molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as osteoporosis. Osteocytes, embedded deeply within the mineralized bone matrix have been shown to be the key mediators of load induced bone remodeling, however, owing to their inaccessible location the molecular mechanisms by which mechanical forces are translated into anabolic signals remain poorly understood. In vivo studies have attempted to identify load regulated genes expressed by osteocytes, nevertheless, their interpretation is limited by the fact that they report the average effect of tens of thousands of cells. Furthermore, depending on their location within the diverse micro-architectures of bone these cells are exposed to varying magnitudes of mechanical strain. Therefore, the goal of the proposed PhD position is to develop a novel experimental approach to map the location of individual osteocytes within bone, quantify their micro-mechanical environment and analyze their individual patterns of gene expression exploiting microfluidic technology. With this in mind the proposed PhD position is divided into three specific aims:
1) Development of in vivo micro-computed tomography and laser dissection microscopy imaging techniques to locate individual osteocytes and quantify their micro-mechanical environment in trabecular bone.
2) Development of laser dissection microscopy and microfluidic technology to isolate individual osteocytes and analyze their gene expression.
3) Study mechanical load-induced gene expression in individual osteocytes using an established in vivo mouse model.

This PhD is funded by SystemsX, a Swiss initiative in systems biology aimed at merging the traditional disciplines of chemistry, physics and engineering with biology. The Institute of Biomechanics and the Bioanalytics group at ETH Zurich are therefore seeking to appoint a highly motivated PhD candidate to work between the two departments to pursue research in the areas outlined above. The applicant should have a master degree in Biomedical Engineering / Biotechnology / Micro Engineering / Systems Engineering / Physics or a related field. Knowledge in molecular and/or cell biology is considered to be an advantage. Furthermore, good skills in both spoken and written English are mandatory to work in an international and dynamic team. Salaries are highly competitive and are in line with the guidelines of ETH Zurich.

A Curriculum Vitae, a list of two references and all university classes attended (including grades) as well as a one-page statement of your background and research interest should be sent to (preferably by email): Prof. Ralph Müller, Ph.D. Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zürich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland. Email: ram@ethz.ch , Web:http://www.biomech.ethz.ch/
For further information please contact Dr. Duncan Webster, +41 44 632 45 89, dwebster@ethz.ch

Application Deadline : 30 October 2010

Master & PhD Scholarship, KIST (Korea Institute Science and Technology)

Beasiswa Scholarships : The scholarship awardees will be provided with a monthly stipend 900,000 Korean won(around US $800) for Master, and 1,200,000 Korean won (around US $1,100) for Ph.D. programs throughout their study. No tuition or registration fees are charged.
All applicants need to submit below documents including online application form.

- Completed Application Form plus Photo (image file)
- Statement of Purpose
- Housing Application (if applicable)

- Resume (Curriculum Vitae)



- SEALED Recommendation Letters (two)
- Undergraduate & Graduate Degree Diplomas (Official registrar from your
institution needs to confirm that copy of diploma is identical with the origin.)
- SEALED Official Undergraduate & Graduate Transcripts (1 copy each),
Including Grade-Point Average (GPA)
Please submit a transcript after seal an envelope.
- Score report for English Test (TOEFL or IELTS or TOEIC or TEPS).
Please submit the original certificate or make an overture to us about relevant
website with login details to verify it.
- Two Photos (Passport Size)
All applicants should keep in mind the admission timetable in IRDA as follows.
Applications for the IRDA program will be accepted twice annually. Admission periods are for both the Fall and Spring semesters. The current deadlines are as follows:
for Fall Semester: by April 15
for Spring Semester: by October 15
Applicants are strongly recommended to submit their application package before the application deadline. The admission approval notification is made no later than 30 days before the beginning of the semester.
irda.kist.re.kr

source : http://www.nextscholarship.info/?p=164&preview=true