Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted single-cell biomechanical nanotools for cardiovascular mechanobiology

Summary

Research Area:

Mechanobiology, Cardiovascular Engineering, Single molecule, Artificial intelligence, Piezo

Supervisor

Dr Lining (Arnold) Ju.

Research location

Biomedical Engineering

Synopsis

Project Description:

The dynamism and intricacy of protein complexes performing critical physiological functions present a significant challenge. Traditional biochemical and biophysical techniques often falter in visualizing and characterizing their kinetic and signalling processes on singular living cells. The pressing need is for advanced bioimaging and single-molecule manipulation technologies capable of observing life activities in native cellular environments at the nanoscale.

Over the past half-decade, Dr. Ju has been at the forefront of this evolution, pioneering the pico-force (10^-12 Newton) BFP technique in Australia, the first of its kind. With this revolutionary nanotool, groundbreaking insights have been attained into the mechanosensory proteins' inner mechanics, as evidenced by a myriad of esteemed publications.

This ambitious project envisions the fusion of BFP with artificial intelligence to give birth to an unparalleled BFP manipulation platform. An ambitious vision for the future aims to marry the platform with patch clamp technology, enabling a trifecta of single-molecule electrophysiology, imaging, and manipulation within one system.

This initiative's pinnacle will be its application to the groundbreaking 2021 Nobel Prize discovery — Piezo mechanosensitive ion channels. The goal? To illuminate their role in cardiovascular diseases, especially in blood clotting phenomena, and pioneer new anti-thrombotic therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, this research stands poised to usher in a new era in biosensing device design, optimizing the human-machine interface.

Further information:

We are looking for candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Academic knowledge in the discipline of biophysics, biomechanics, electrophysiology, cell biology and biochemistry.
• Experience of instrumenting or operating single-molecule force spectroscopies such as atomic force microscopy, optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers, patch clamp electrophysiology systems, micromanipulation and microinjection systems, or other biomedical experimental devices such as rheometers and parallel plate flow chambers.
• Familiar with using two or more of Labview, ImageJ, AutoCAD, MATLAB, 3D-max, PRO-E, SolidWorks and other software.

Preferred experience includes:

• Solid basic knowledge of biology and hands-on experience in PC2 biological laboratory, using flow cytometer, ELISA, Western blots, protein-protein interaction assays, protein/antibody purification and functional characterisations.
• Capability of independently output processing models and drawings, be capable of CNC programming, use other conventional processing platform equipment to manufacture mechanical parts, and use 3D printers for part manufacturing.
• Pre-doctoral track records with publications, conference papers, reports, professional or technical contributions with evidence of independent research ability.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

To learn more about the Snow-Ju Lab: Mechanobiology and Biomechanics Laboratory (MBL) and our research, please visit our official website (https://snowmedical.org.au/fellow/lining-arnold-ju/). For more information on A/Prof Ju's Snow Fellowship and groundbreaking research, check out these public release news articles:

A father had a heart attack at 54. His son’s technology could have predicted it (https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-father-had-a-heart-attack-at-56-his-son-s-technology-could-ve-predicted-it-20230327-p5cvkj.html)

Additional information

How to Apply:

To apply, please email [email protected] with the subject line “PhD Application”, the project title in the body of the email, and attach the following:

• CV
• Transcripts

And complete an Expression of Interest Form via https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vSA2po0sooUt0i

Want to find out more?

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3498

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