A PhD position is available within the Computational Mechanobiology Group at the Julius Wolff Institute (Charite Medical School in Berlin) on the topic of computational optimization of scaffolds to promote bone regeneration within large bone defects. 

Background

Although bone has the fascinating ability to self-regenerate after injury, large bone defects often lead to delayed or non-unions. The treatment of these conditions remains a clinical challenge for which scaffold-based strategies appear as a promising approach. In this approach, 3D open porous structures are implanted in the bone defect with the aim to support bone regeneration. Although, preliminary pre-and clinical data show encouraging results, there is still a need to optimize these scaffolds to ensure successful healing. The growth of new bone within the scaffold is influenced by many factors, such as the scaffold architecture, material properties, patient health condition, etc. The aim of this project is to investigate the potential optimization of scaffolds to promote bone regeneration within large bone defects.

Tasks

You will develop computer models to simulate the bone healing process and the interaction between mechanical signals (strains) within the healing region and biological processes (e.g. cellular migration, matrix deposition, etc.) taking place. You will simulate the interaction of the bone regeneration process with scaffold-support structures and develop algorithms for the computer optimization of the scaffold design to promote the bone healing process. You will be able to compare model predictions with experimental data from animal studies (e.g. histology, microCT) and to have access to patient data. The project is part of a research collaboration between several Institutes on the topic of “Personalised Bone Defect Treatment” (Funded by the BMBF).

Your profile

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science/Mathematical Biology or a related discipline
• Knowledge of Finite Element Modelling will be advantageous
• Experience in Programming is required (e.g. C/C++, Matlab)
• High motivation and strong interest in research

What we provide

This position is available for a period of three years. Salary will be commensurate with experience. You will work in a friendly team and in a unique research environment. As a PhD student you will be associated to the Berlin-Brandenburg School of Regenerative Therapies (www.bsrt.de) and benefit from the interaction with international students. Starting date: 1^st October, 2019.

Apply
Interested candidates should send a CV, a cover letter and two references that could be contacted. Please email the application to Prof. Checa via email at: sara.checa@charite.de

The CuraBone Project is looking for a highly motivated Early Stage Researcher ESR (PhD Students) interested in working in an ambitious multidisciplinary project to work at Materialise (Belgium) and University of Zaragoza (Spain). This ESR position is aimed to pursue part of the scientific objectives of CuraBone through the development of its own Individual Research Project (IRP). Take a look at the project description to know more about the project.

Find further information about the offer in Euraxess web page.

The applications may be done at either recruitment institutions: University of Zaragoza and Materialise. Find more information on how to apply below.

The selected candidate will be employed under a local employment contract for a maximum of 14 months, compatible with national and regional legislation and following the guidelines provided by the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, including salaries with adequate and equitable social security benefits.

A career development plan will be prepared for the selected candidate in accordance with his/her supervisor and will include training, planned secondments and outreach activities in partner institutions of the network. For more information please visit the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Networks website.

To apply for the vacancy, please check the eligibility criteria below. If you fulfil all the requirements, send your application with all the necessary records to assess your candidature.

• Not be in possession of a doctorate/PhD degree and should have less than 4 years of research experience (starting at the date of obtaining the master’s degree).
• At the time of selection by the host institution, the candidate may not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment under the project.
• For Unizar’s Biomedical Engineering PhD, it is required 300 Graduate ECTS (of which at least 60 ECTS must of Master`s degree)

The applications may be addressed at either both recruiting institutions: University of Zaragoza and Materialise. Find more information to apply below. In case you had any doubts, please do not hesitate to contact us: curabone@unizar.es

All applicants will be employed under a local employment contract for a maximum of 3 years, compatible with national and regional legislation and following the guidelines provided by the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, including salaries with adequate and equitable social security benefits.

A career development plan will be prepared for each fellow in accordance with his/her supervisor and will include training, planned secondments and outreach activities in partner institutions of the network. The ESR fellows are supposed to complete their PhD thesis by the end of the 3rd year of their employment. For more information please visit Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Networks.

More details:

http://curabone.unizar.es/index.php?modulo=recruitment

The Vienna University of Technology is seeking an exceptional student for a PhD position at the Institute for Lightweight Structures and Structural Biomechanics (Computational Biomechanics Group of Prof. Pahr) from 01.09.2019 for a period of 4 years, salary group B1, with an employment scale of 30 hours per week, to occupy. The minimum monthly salary is currently EUR 2,148.40 (14 times a year). Due to activity-related previous experience or involvement in third-party funded projects, the fee may increase.

PhD Topic

The PhD thesis builds on existing research in the field of non-linear micro FE in bone biomechanics (see http://www.eccm-ecfd2018.org/admin/files/filePaper/p1159.pdf) This simulation method should be applied in the field of bone biomechanics and orthopedic implants.  Don’t hesitate to contact members of the research group at the ESB 2019 in Vienna.

Requirements

Applicants must have a Master’s degree (diploma) in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Technical Physics, Medical Informatics or equivalent studies.

Furthermore, very good programming skills, preferably Python and C ++, mechanics, fundamentals of the finite element methods, German language skills (minimum level B2 according to CEFR) are required.

Other desired skills & interests: Biomechanical fundamentals, basic knowledge of medical image processing.  The willingness to cooperate in teaching and at the institute is expected as well as good knowledge of English, interest in scientific work.

Application deadline: until 18.07.2019 (date of postmark)

Applications should be sent to the Personnel Administration, Department of Human Resources of the Vienna University of Technology, Karlsplatz 13, 1040 Vienna. Online applications to rene.fuchs@tuwien.ac.at  Applicants are not entitled to compensation for accrued travel and subsistence expenses incurred as a result of the admission procedure.

https://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/details/?positionId=272718

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our mission is to pursue top-quality research and education and to interact constructively with society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has 44.000 students, 7.100 employees and a turnover of SEK 7 billion.

The Department of Engineering Sciences is one of the largest at Uppsala University and conducts research within a number of different technical subjects. The department has approximately 360 employees and has its activities at the Ångström Laboratory and Campus Gotland.

The Marie Curie-PhD position is at the Division of Applied Materials Science, the Ångström Laboratory.

We are pleased to invite applications for a Marie Curie-PhD position in the new four-year EU-funded Marie Sklodowska-Curie ITN programme “Training innovative future leaders in research and development of materials and implants for the spine” (NU-SPINE, nu-spine.eu, project ID 812 765). This network is led by Prof. Cecilia Persson at Uppsala University and consists of three European universities (Uppsala University, ETH Zürich and University of Leeds) as well as industrial (IHI Ionbond AG, CeramTec GmbH, Key Engineering Solutions, SINTX Technologies and OssDsign AB) and clinical (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) collaborators.

Project description: NU-SPINE aims to deliver novel material compositions with a higher degree of biocompatibility as well as novel implant designs adapted to the local loading situation. Important deliverables for the network are also innovative methods for more accurate evaluation of the demanding tribological and corrosive conditions surrounding the implants. NU-SPINE will train talented researchers with the scientific and entrepreneurial mind required of the next generation of leaders in academia and industry connected to these medical devices. As a Marie Curie-PhD student, you will benefit from a tailored, multidisciplinary, scientific training programme, and be exposed to different environments via planned placements, and contribute to and organise workshops.

This Marie Curie-PhD project will focus on the development of validated numerical models for optimization of screw design and bone augmentation as a function of surrounding bone morphology. The project will (i) increase the understanding of failure mechanisms of a screw/bone and screw/bone/cement constructs, at the microscale, (2) produce 3-dimensional, validated numerical models of screw pull-outs in human bone and (3) develop novel screw and screw augmentation designs and recommendations, better adapted to the microstructure of the surrounding bone. The project will be performed mainly at Uppsala University. Main supervision will be undertaken by Prof Cecilia Persson (Uppsala University), with co-supervision from Prof Per Isaksson (Uppsala University) and Dr Jonas Åberg (OssDsign AB). The position includes secondments at ETH Zürich, Switzerland (5 months) and OssDsign, Sweden (1 month).

Your main duties will include:

• Conducting world-class research focussed on materials development and implant design for spinal applications and NU-SPINE activities
• Developing initiative, creativity and judgement in applying appropriate approaches to research activities
• Actively participate in all relevant activities organised by the network as advised by the Supervisor
• Attending meetings as required to discuss the project. This will involve occasional EU-wide travel, beyond that associated with secondments
• Ensuring good day-to-day progress of work, and maintaining good records
• Writing up results for publication and attending suitable conferences for their dissemination
• Working both independently and also as part of a larger team of researchers, including interacting with and providing assistance to other staff in the research group and the NU-SPINE network and engaging in knowledge-transfer activities where appropriate and feasible
• Contributing to joint discussions within the wider research group and network
• Maintaining your own continuing professional development

These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.

We are seeking a candidate with:

• An MSc or equivalent in engineering, with a focus on biomedical or mechanical engineering. Those with a degree in engineering physics with a relevant specialization may also be considered. Experiences within finite element modelling and/or biomechanics is an advantage.
• A strong motivation and proven ability to work both independently and in a team
• Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and work effectively under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills, in English
• A strong commitment to your own continuous professional development

The eligibility criteria for this specific project are as follows:

• The applicant must, at the date of recruitment, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. This is measured from the date when they obtained the undergraduate degree.
• The applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.

The advertised project will be carried out by a PhD student (“Early-stage Researcher”) at Uppsala University over a period of 42-48 months, in addition departmental duties at a level of at most 20% (typically teaching) will be expected.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

For further information, see http://www.teknat.uu.se and http://www.teknik.uu.se.

Application: Applications should include a cover letter, including a brief description of experience relevant to the position and the candidate criteria stated above, a CV, copies of diplomas and certificates, preferably a master thesis (or a draft thereof) and other relevant documents. The candidates are encouraged to provide letter(s) of recommendation and contact information to at least two reference persons. All applications should be submitted through the Uppsala University job portal.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Starting date: To be negotiated, but as soon as possible during 2019.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Cecilia Persson (cecilia.persson@angstrom.uu.se) or Cecilia Alsmark (cecilia.alsmark@ilk.uu.se).

Please submit your application by 28 June 2019, UFV-PA 2019/1970.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services. Applications must be submitted as described in this advertisement.

Placement: Department of Engineering Sciences

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position longer than 6 months

Pay: Fixed salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100 %

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se 
ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se 
Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2019/1970

Last application date: 2019-06-28Login and apply