Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Extended Tissue Preservation for Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

Please note: This PhD program is offered through the University of Toronto, with a graduate advisory team from both the University of Toronto and the University of Guelph.

Primary Location

Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto (with research components in Guelph)

Start Date

Fall 2025 (Option to begin as a Research Assistant in Summer 2025)

Advisors

Dr. Adele Changoor (University of Toronto) & Dr. Judith Koenig (Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph)

Project Overview

Fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation is a promising surgical technique for treating painful joint conditions by replacing damaged cartilage with healthy donor tissue. However, in Canada, the clinical application of this technique is restricted by the short preservation window—donor tissue can only be stored for 14 days using current methods.

Our research team has developed an innovative storage medium that better replicates the native joint environment, potentially extending tissue viability up to four times longer than the current standard. Preliminary studies using animal tissues show promising results, and this PhD project aims to advance this discovery toward clinical application. The candidate will:

• Assess the ability of the new medium to preserve human donor tissues.
• Work with a large animal preclinical model to evaluate the durability of stored tissues after transplantation.
• Evaluate cartilage quality using imaging, electromechanical, biochemical and histological techniques.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team across biomedical engineering, veterinary medicine, and orthopedic research.

Candidate Requirements

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with:

• A Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, veterinary medicine, or a medical-related field.
• A strong aptitude for research and a keen interest in articular joint health.
• The ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent reading, writing, comprehension and communication skills in English.

Program Details and Funding

• The PhD will be awarded by the University of Toronto, with enrollment in either the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology or the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, depending on the candidate’s background and interests.
• The student will be based primarily in Toronto at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, with research components in Guelph for surgeries, animal care, and preclinical studies under Dr. Koenig’s supervision.
• Funding will follow the stipend guidelines of the chosen department. For reference, the 2024/2025 PhD stipend for the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology is $40,616.71 per year.
• Domestic students are preferred to ensure eligibility for available scholarships.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to Dr. Adele Changoor (changoor@lunenfeld.ca) by April 25, 2025.

• CV
• Cover Letter outlining research experience and interest in the project
• Copies of official or unofficial academic transcripts

This project presents a unique opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge advancement in orthopedic research with strong potential for clinical translation. If you have a passion for biomedical innovation and joint health, we encourage you to apply!