Two PhD positions for the French–German project “Bone of Contention: Experimental and Computational Insights into Bone Mineralisation”, funded by the German DFG and the French ANR, are open. One position is primarily computational and based in Germany; the other is primarily experimental and based in France. The two candidates will work closely together and will be co-supervised by both teams.
Start: early 2027 | Duration: 36 months
THE PROJECT
Bone remodelling and mineralisation shape the bone mineral density distribution (BMDD), a fingerprint of bone quality. Its physiological determinants remain poorly understood, and its experimental, imaging and theoretical descriptions are not yet reconciled. The project aims to address this challenge by combining experimental and modelling approaches in a coordinated way.
THE TEAM
The positions offer a unique chance to gain international experience during your PhD by joining a team of six researchers in Germany and France, working with partners in Canada and Australia.
– Germany: N. M. Castoldi and A. Papastavrou, Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm (OHM); P. Steinmann, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
– France: V. Sansalone, T. Lemaire and S. Le Cann, Laboratoire Modélisation et Simulation Multi Echelle (MSME UMR 8208 CNRS), Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC)
– Canada: D. Cooper, University of Saskatchewan (USask)
– Australia: P. Pivonka, Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
PhD 1 – Multiscale modelling of bone mineralisation: from nanoscale transport to tissue-level mineral density distribution
FAU and OHM are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate for the computational position.
Job description
You will build the computational side of the framework: models that explain how the BMDD emerges from bone cell activity and mineral transport, tested against the experimental data produced within the project.
- Develop and calibrate computational models of bone remodelling and mineralisation against experimental data.
- Investigate how mineral transport at the microscale influences mineralisation kinetics and bone tissue heterogeneity.
- Integrate these mechanisms into multiscale models and assess their ability to reproduce the observed BMDD.
You will work closely with a second PhD candidate in France, who generates the experimental data, and you will be co-supervised by the French and German teams. Research stays at the French partner laboratory are planned.
Requirements and desired qualifications
- An MSc degree (or equivalent) in biomedical or mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, physics or a related field, with a modelling background.
- A good background in continuum mechanics and numerical methods.
- Programming experience for numerical modelling and data analysis, for example in Python or MATLAB.
- Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of German is an advantage but not required.
- Willingness to work in a multidisciplinary, international team.
Position details
- Start date: early 2027
- Duration: 36 months
- Salary: according to German regulations
- Location: Nuremberg/Erlangen, Germany
HOW TO APPLY
Please apply via the portal https://karriere.service.th-nuernberg.de/jobposting/c828b37f7558f1cfd6041d4b909d30d68df49ab60?ref=homepage by 15 November 2026. For questions contact V. Sansalone (vittorio.sansalone@u-pec.fr) and N. M. Castoldi (natalia.muehlcastoldi@th-nuernberg.de)
PhD 2 – Multiscale experimental characterisation of bone mineralisation: from tissue age and nanostructure to mineral density distribution
The MSME laboratory at UPEC is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate for the experimental position.
Job description
You will build the experimental side of the framework: measurements that relate mineral content in cortical bone to the age of the tissue, from individual lamellae to whole osteons and the surrounding bone.
- Analyse longitudinal imaging data to characterise bone remodelling dynamics and early mineralisation kinetics.
- Contribute to in vivo experiments and research stays at the University of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Light Source.
- Combine multimodal imaging techniques to characterise bone mineralisation, composition and microstructure across scales.
- Investigate relationships between bone microstructure, mineralisation and remodelling in control and altered conditions.
You will work closely with a second PhD candidate in Germany, who builds the computational models your data will inform, and you will be co-supervised by the French and German teams. Research stays at the German and Canadian partner institutions are planned.
Requirements and desired qualifications
- An MSc degree (or equivalent) in biomedical or mechanical engineering, materials science, physics or a related field, with an experimental background.
- Experience in the characterisation of biological or other materials, particularly through quantitative image analysis (micro-CT, electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, etc).
- Programming experience for data and image analysis, for example in Python or MATLAB.
- Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of French is an advantage.
- Willingness to work in a multidisciplinary, international team.
Position details
- Start date: early 2027
- Duration: 36 months
- Salary: according to French regulations
- Location: Créteil (Paris area), France
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts and the contact details of two referees to both V. Sansalone (vittorio.sansalone@u-pec.fr) and N. M. Castoldi (natalia.muehlcastoldi@th-nuernberg.de). Please indicate in the subject line which position you are applying for (PhD 2 – experimental). Deadline for the experimental position is the 29 November 2026. For questions, contact the same addresses.
