Dr. Cao was Editor-in-Chief of World Journal of Stem Cells (2015-2021), Research Dean (2010-2019) of Faculty of Dentistry, and Director (2010-2020) of Department of Oral Sciences, National University of Singapore. He was President (2011-2023) of Singapore Section of International Society for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR). Currently, he is National Leading Talent in China, Senior PI in Oujiang Laboratory, Academic Dean of Affiliated Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology of Wenzhou Medical University, Tenured Faculty of National University of Singapore, Honorary and Visiting Professor of Zhejiang University. Dr. Cao has obtained 9 international patents related to iHuman.

Research Area

Differentiation of syngeneic pluripotent stem cells to develop standard lineages, tissues, organs, and systems by imitating embryo development through derm layers in vitro (iHuman).

·iHuman regeneration of syngeneic, standard and healthy three derm layer lineages and tissues;

·iHuman development of syngeneic, standard and healthy organoids, and vascularized and/or innervated linving organs/systems;

·iHuman development of standard platform to replace animals for basic research of health science, function and safety evaluation, regeneration and translations.

Research Contents

We have currently 19 vibrant, creative and young (18 of us) team members, focusing on stem cells and tissue regeneration. The team has  managed to differentiate pluripotent stem cells into >20 syngeneic somatic lineages including keratinocytes, melanocytes, central and peripheral neurons, vascular endotheliocytes and myocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, fibroblasts, for various tissue regeneration and repair. We are establishing clinical-grade pluripotent stem cell lines for Chinese ethnic population. With the above-said iHuman platform, we hope to provide syngeneic-standard-healthy lineages, tissues, and organs for future human biomedical research, diagnostics, treatments, public health, prevention as well as aging, safety, disease study, toxicology, drug and biomedical material R&D.

Research aims:

1. Chinese iHuman regeneration of syngeneic, standard and healthy three derm layer lineages and tissues;

2. Chinese iHuman development of syngeneic, standard and healthy organoids, and vascularized and/or innervated linving organs/systems;

3. Chinese iHuman development of standard platform to replace animals for basic research of health science, function and safety evaluation, regeneration and translations.

Recruitment:

1. Fields of expertise: Medicine, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, etc.

2. Candidates hold a Ph.D. degree, or recently passed their Ph.D. thesis defense, or are the postdoctorals finishing first round posdoctoral, age limit at 33 years old.

3. Candidates exhibit academic excellence, good health and personelity, passion for research, communication skills and teamwork; research capabilities in human or animal cell and tissue science, promising academic potential.

4. Candidates experienced in project proposal applications.

5. Candidates authored more than 2 first-author SCI papers (including papers under submission).

6. Candidates are required to engage in full-time postdoctoral research work.

7. Any additional materials that would strengthen the application.

Mail：caotong@ojlab.ac.cn