Open MSc and PhD Positions 📢

We have 1 MSc and 4 PhD Student openings:

PhD Students(2) will work on a ERC-Starting Project "META-Brain: Deciphering METAstasis of lung cancer to BRAIN and developing new therapeutic approaches via a human metastatic cascade platform"

PhD Students(2) will work on a TUBITAK-1004 Project "Developing 3D Bioprinting methods and creating a human brain model"
Collaborator: Bahattin Koc (Sabanci University)

MSc Student(1) will work on a TUBITAK-1001 Project "Selection of peptide sequences that can cross the blood-brain barrier using state-of-the-art 3D in vitro organ chip models and integration with nano-carrier systems"
Collaborator: Sibel Cetinel (SUNUM)

How to apply: Candidates have to get acceptance from one of the graduate programs at Sabanci University. Graduate programs application deadline is 31st of May. Please follow the link here.

Open Postdoc Positions 📢

We have 2 Postdoc Fellow openings:

1) Postdoctoral researcher will work on a ERC-Starting Project "META-Brain: Deciphering METAstasis of lung cancer to BRAIN and developing new therapeutic approaches via a human metastatic cascade platform"

Role Description: The aim of this project is to establish a human-based in vitro platform that comprehensively replicates the journey of cancer cells from the lungs to the brain. This platform will be instrumental in addressing three pivotal questions: (1) What is the mechanism by which cancer metastasizes to the brain? (2) What role does the blood-brain barrier (BBB) play in cancer metastasis to the brain? and (3) How and when can we effectively treat cancer metastasis? By creating a physiologically relevant human cell-based model, META-BRAIN will, for the first time, delineate the entire cascade of cancer metastasis and enable the exploration of novel target proteins at the blood-tumor barrier (BTB). Additionally, this model will serve as the foundation for developing innovative shuttle systems designed for drug delivery to the brain.

What you will need:

• A PhD in a relevant field (e.g. bioengineering, molecular biology, neuroscience, biophysics, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of stem cell biology, particularly in the context of endotelial and neural differentiation and maturation
• Experience with culturing and manipulating stem cells, particularly human-derived cells
• Knowledge of cancer biology
• Experience with molecular biology analytical techniques such as imaging, western blot, ELISA
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Be good at interdiciplinary team work
• A record of peer-reviewed publications

Preferred:

• Experience with organ-on-a-chip and/or tissue engineering
• Experience with microfludic systems
• Experience with high-tech microscopic sytems

2) Postdoctoral researcher will work on a TUBITAK-1004 Project "Developing 3D Bioprinting methods and creating a human brain model"
Collaborator: Bahattin Koc (Sabanci University)

Role Description: The aim of this project is to develop advanced 3D bioprinting methods and stem cell technologies to create physiologically relevant human brain models that closely mimic the structure and function of the human brain for disease and drug testing. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, the project team will optimize bioprinting methods and utilize stem cell technologies to generate 3D human brain models with the most accurate representation of human brain physiology and function. The ultimate goal of this project is to provide a more effective and accurate platform for preclinical testing, which has the potential to improve the success rate of drug development and ultimately lead to better treatment options for patients with neurological disorders.

What you will need:

• A PhD in a relevant field (e.g. bioengineering, molecular biology, neuroscience, biophysics, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of stem cell biology, particularly in the context of endotelial and neural differentiation and maturation
• Experience with culturing and manipulating stem cells, particularly human-derived cells
• Knowledge of neurobiology and the structure and function of the brain
• Experience with imaging and electrophysiology techniques
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A record of peer-reviewed publications

Preferred:

• Experience with 3D bioprinting methods and tissue engineering
• Experience with designing and carrying out in vivo experiments
• Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software
• Familiarity with programming languages (e.g. MATLAB, Python)

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing theirrelevant experience and qualifications to nur.mustafaoglu@sabanciuniv.edu. Please include [Lab Technition Application - [Your Name]] in the subject line.

Internship Positions 📢

We only accept interns during the summer through the PURE program . This program accepts students from around the world during the summer semester. Selected students have the opportunity to live on the Sabanci University campus for free during the internship period (~2 months). Each semester, Mustafaoglu Lab offers several interesting projects for this program, which you can follow on the program's website.

How to apply:You should apply for these projects through the website PURE. However, you can always email Dr. Mustafaoglu about your enthusiasm for our PURE projects that caught your attention. If you do, please also include your CV and transcript so that we can get to know you better and remember you