🍊🍊 Join the C∪TE lab [Santana] 🍊🍊

tl;dr: To apply, complete this form by the URO deadline. Do NOT submit an application through the URO system, these applications will not be reviewed.

The Cell Biology, ufluidics, and Tissue Engineering (C∪TE) lab is hiring undergraduate researchers for the upcoming semester and beyond. Our interdisciplinary team focuses on designing tissue-engineered platforms and microfluidic technologies to understand cell biology and engineer solutions for human health.

As a researcher in the C∪TE lab, you will collaborate across disciplines to develop new tools and advance biological understanding. We are currently recruiting for two main project areas:

1. Extracellular Vesicles (EV) Team

Hiring for Spring + Summer terms

This team investigates cellular function in biomimetic microenvironments to uncover truths about cell-cell communication mediated by extracellular vesicles. Today, we are focusing on material design and imaging. In the future, we aim to control what cells produce by deploying these materials to inform future disease treatments.

• Core Responsibilities: Design and measure hydrogel properties using a shear rheometer, product viscoelastic and macroporous poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels, culture glial cells on engineered hydrogel substrates, and collect/examine the cargo of vesicles produced in response to the hydrogels.

• Bonus: Opportunities to participate in K-12 outreach events related to this work are available based on your interest.

2. Bioprinting & Micromixer Teams

Hiring for Spring term (Summer decisions pending)

This group creates complex tissue models via bioprinting, designing systems capable of producing complex biomaterials. We currently have functioning printers and mixers that handle core functions, and we are looking to expand the printer's capabilities. In the near future, we will print complex, multi-material models and evaluate their performance through mechanical testing and cell studies.

• Bioprinter Team: Build and evaluate electromechanical systems on a bioprinter for use with photoinitiated hydrogels.

• Micromixer Team: Build and evaluate microfluidic devices to combine bioinks, and use these models to validate computational fluid dynamics models that optimize device design.

Academic Expectations & E191 Credit

Students participating in research during the academic year will enroll in E191 (Advanced Problems in Engineering) during each term they are on the team. Participating students are encouraged to enroll for 2–3 credits per semester; 1 credit may be considered in limited cases.

Students should budget three hours of lab work per week for each credit, in addition to lab meetings:

• 1 credit: ≥ 3 hours/week + meetings and training

• 2 credits: ≥ 6 hours/week + meetings and training

• 3 credits: ≥ 9 hours/week + meetings and training

C∪TE Lab Open House & Q&A

Want to learn more before applying? Attend our Open House to get acquainted with the work and ask the team your questions.

• When: DATE || TIME TBD

• Where: Parsons 2390/2393

How to Apply

To apply, please complete this application form by the URO deadline: Monday, December 7 at 11:55 PM. Do NOT submit an application through the URO system, these applications will not be reviewed.

When completing the application form, be prepared to submit the following materials through the form:

• Letter of intent

• Up-to-date CV/resume

• Unofficial transcript

• Names and contact information for two references who can comment on your technical abilities and teamwork (especially on collaborative projects).

• A screen shot of your planned courses for the next semester (e.g. from hyperschedule)

Once you apply, your materials will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be invited to schedule an interview.