DESCRIPTION:
A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the cardiovascular research laboratory under the direction of Dr. Leigh Griffiths, at University of California, Davis, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology (http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/griffiths_lab/). The position is supported by an NIH R01 grant focusing on small diameter blood vessel tissue engineering. The position is initially anticipated as a 2 year position with the possibility of mutually agreeable extension.

The major focus of the laboratory is use of xenogeneic biomaterials as scaffold materials for use in tissue engineering of cardiovascular tissues and organs. Current projects include tissue engineering of replacement heart valves, small diameter vessels, myocardium and whole heart. Projects range from basic science investigations of barriers to xenotransplantation, to translational research studies involving both large and small animal models in preparation for phase 1 clinical trials. A wide range of approaches is employed including proteomics, immunoproteomics (antigen identification and epitope mapping), assessment of graft specific immune responses (MLR, lymphocyte migration, ELISA, western blot), biomaterial mechanical testing (tensile, compressive, fatigue), biochemical analysis, structural investigations (SEM, TEM, IHC, SHG, TRFS, UBM), stem cell biology (differentiation potential, immunomodulatory properties) and in vivo models (heart muscle, carotid artery and heart valve).

The laboratory has strong collaborative programs with the UC Davis stem cell program, UC Davis regenerative medicine laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, UC Davis Medical School and the David Grant USAF medical center at Travis Airforce base.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants should possess a Ph.D in biomedical engineering, immunology, cell biology, biochemistry or related field. Experience in protein chemistry, stem cell biology, transplant immunology and/or biomedical engineering is preferred. Highly motivated applicants are requested to send a cover letter, curriculum vitae and three references to Dr. Leigh Griffiths (lggriffiths@ucdavis.edu).

Dr. Leigh Griffiths, VetMB, Ph.D, DSAS (Soft Tissue), DipACVIM (Cardiology), MRCVS.
University of California, Davis
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology,
2108 Tupper Hall,
One Shields Avenue,
Davis, CA 95618.