Biography

B.S. 1995, Fudan University, P.R. China
Ph.D. 1999, Michigan State University
Postdoctoral Fellow 1999-2002, University of California Berkeley & Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Staff Scientist 2002-2006, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Research Interests

With an aging population, the demand for synthetic tissue scaffolds assisting the regenerative reconstruction of skeletal defects resulting from trauma, cancer and metabolic diseases is rising. Our lab is interested in 1) developing new biomaterial- and stem cell-based approaches towards bone and cartilage tissue regeneration, particularly dealing with hard-to-heal tissue defects resulting from aging, diabetes, and traumatic injuries; 2) identifying novel factors regulating stem cell renewal and skeletal tissue regeneration; 3) identifying new targets for the development of disease modifying drugs of osteoarthritis; and 4) improving the osteointegration of and reducing periprosthetic infections associated with existing orthopedic metallic implants. Many of the synthetic scaffolds we designed are programmed with unique physical properties to facilitate facile surgical delivery (injectable formulations; minimally invasive in vivo deployment and stable fixation), tunable & predictive in vivo degradation profiles, and spatially controlled presentation and temporally controlled release of bioactive factors for regulating stem/progenitor cell fate within the tissue niche environment.

Lab Members

San Diego (ORS meeting), March 2017

L to R: Yu, Ben, Tera, Jordan, Jie & Henry

Potential Rotation Projects

1. 
   Design and evaluation of smart synthetic bone / cartilage tissue grafts


2. 
   Metallic implant surface modifications for reducing periprosthetic infections


3. 
   New therapeutic targets for the development of disease modifying drugs of osteoarthritis

Supported by the NIH, foundation and translational grants, our current research projects include on-demand drug release / surface engineering for combating implant-associated infections caused by S. aureus (e.g. ACS Central Science 2019, 5(12):1929), translation of 3D printed or electrospun degradable shape memory polymer scaffolds for guided bone regeneration (e.g. Science Translational Medicine 2019, 11(502), eaau7411; Advanced Functional Material 2017, 1604784), and the development and application of bio-orthogonally crosslinked viscoelastic hydrogels with broadly tuned, predictive degradative and mechanical cues for stem cell delivery and cartilage regeneration (e.g. ACS Central Science 2018; 4(8):971; Journal of the American Chemical Society 2014; 136(11):4105).

Expectations for this position include novel functional monomer/polymer design, synthesis and material characterizations (mechanical properties, cell-material interactions) as well as supporting relevant animal studies (participation in animal surgeries is not required, but providing materials support expected). The fellow is expected to work both independently and collaboratively, be actively involved in writing manuscripts, and contribute to a productive and cordial team environment.

Requirements:
• Recent PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering or related discipline.
• Interest in applied and translational research
• Experience in organic/polymer synthesis and materials characterizations (e.g. GPC, DSC, DMA, rheology) required
• Experience with basic cell culture/microscopy techniques desired but not required
• Self-motivated and organized, enjoys collaboration and mentoring, good written and oral communication skills.

To apply for this position: Send your CV and the contact information for three references to Jie.Song@umassmed.edu