Addressing Fertility by Probing Mechanics and Mechanobiology of Mammalian Eggs
Project Description
This project seeks to identify the underlying biology of poor egg quality, a well-recognized cause of female infertility. We seek to recruit a post-doctoral fellow with interests in cell biology, particularly cellular mechanics, and computational modeling, to build on our ongoing collaboration that has been a part of the NSF-funded Biology Integration Institute, EMBRIO (for Emergent Mechanisms in Biology of Robustness Integration and Organization). This project will combine our complementary expertise in mechanobiology and reproductive biology, with the broad goal to elucidate molecular bases that connect fertility status to overall health – namely, that struggles with fertility in someone's reproductive years can be a harbinger of other health problems, even later on in life. We seek to define biomechanical features of mammalian eggs (with mouse as a widely accepted model for all mammalian species, including human), using atomic force microscopy and molecular force sensors, to obtain novel insights into how eggs successfully progress through meiosis and fertilization. These studies will extend to the computational modeling side of the project will build from wet lab experimental data to develop in essence an in silico egg with features that can be manipulated to mimic and even predict defects during these critical developmental transitions.
Start Date
January 2026
Postdoc Qualifications
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The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate: • A PhD in Biomedical or Mechanical Engineering, Biology, or a field related to mechanobiology • Expertise in experimental or computational biomechanics or reproductive research • Ability to independently design, conduct, and document experiments • Critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity in multidisciplinary research • Effective project and time management, mentorship, leadership, and interpersonal skills • Strong oral and written communication The successful candidate will also be responsible for preparing manuscripts for publication, traveling to and presenting research results at scientific meetings, and working with the PIs to manage research activities in the lab and train students. Postdocs are also expected to apply for external support and to develop additional independent projects in orthopedic research as part of their training to become independent investigators. |
Co-advisors
Janice Evans (evans359@purdue.edu) - Biological Sciences
Bibliography
https://doi.org/10.1080/15384101.2023.2225924
https://doi.org/10.1002/mrd.23331
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-8603-3_17
https://doi.org/10.1093/molehr/gaw019