10th World Congress of Biomechanics 2026 in Vancouver

PhD on Computational growth and remodeling of cartilage microtissues

  • Personal type:Scientific staff
  • Field of expertise:PhD
  • Organisation:Department of Biomedical Engineering
  • Apply before: 30-04-2026
  • Full-time equivalent:1.0 FTE
  • Salary: € 3.059 – € 3.881

APPLY NOW

Introduction

Are you fascinated by scientific and technological innovations in mechano-driven cartilage tissue engineering? Are you driven to develop novel in silico frameworks that deepen mechanistic understanding of tissue growth and inform in vitro experiments? Then you might be our next PhD candidate!

Job Description

Functional and durable regeneration of articular cartilage is still an unsolved challenge, despite the growing clinical and socioeconomic burden. In recent years, developmentally inspired tissue engineering (TE) approaches, relying on the assembly of self-organizing microtissue-based building blocks into larger constructs, have emerged as promising avenues for cartilage regeneration. However, this typically results in a larger tissue with a disorganized matrix architecture, not resembling native cartilage. To unlock the full potential of microtissue-based TE, a deeper understanding is needed of how these microtissues remodel and fuse their matrices as they grow, and how this is governed by their mechanical microenvironment. As a PhD candidate, you will develop novel computational tools to elucidate these phenomena.

This PhD project aims to develop a computational growth and remodeling (G&R) framework to investigate how cartilage microtissue growth dynamics, matrix composition, and (anisotropic) matrix architecture are influenced by the mechanical and geometric properties of their environment. These computational models can provide crucial mechanistic insights into the key parameters governing these processes, inform targeted in vitro experiments, and help design better biomaterials and TE strategies that harness mechanics and geometry. As a PhD candidate, you will adopt and extend in-house homogenized constrained-mixture (finite element) models for cardiovascular tissues towards simulating cartilage G&R. You will then simulate cartilage microtissues growing inside engineered, confining microenvironments and investigate the key parameters influencing the growth process, with a primary focus on anisotropic matrix organization. While this project is entirely computational in nature, you will collaborate closely with experimental researchers working with cartilage microtissues and engineered biomaterials, e.g. for tuning and validating the computational models, and for informing new in vitro experiments.

As a PhD candidate, you will become an integral part of a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment of engineers, biologists, and clinicians across seniority levels, driving innovation in regenerative medicine. An educational and professional development program will be offered to you, and you will contribute to teaching activities and supervision of BSc and MSc students. You will be expected to present your PhD research at (inter-)national scientific conferences, publish in scientific journals, and complete a doctoral dissertation.

Embedding
This PhD project will be integrally based within two research groups of the Department of Biomedical Engineering: the Orthopaedic Biomechanics (OPB) group and the Modeling in Mechanobiology (MMB) group. You will be supervised by Dr. Sebastien Callens (co-promotor, OPB), Prof. Keita Ito (Promotor, OPB), and Dr. Sandra Loerakker (Promotor, MMB). The OPB group researches a wide range of topics related to tissue engineering, mechanobiology, and biomechanics of bone, articular cartilage, intervertebral disc, and tendons/ligaments. The group synergizes advanced in vitroex vivo, and in silico approaches to uncover new fundamental insights into the properties, growth, and degeneration of orthopaedic tissues, as well as to develop novel regenerative engineering strategies. The MMB group investigates the mechanobiology of native and engineered tissues, with a current focus on cardiovascular applications, using integrated computational and experimental methods. The group focuses on developing a deep understanding of how mechanical stimulation regulates growth and remodeling, with the aim of applying these insights to enhance regenerative strategies.

Both the OPB and MMB groups are part of the Regenerative Materials and Engineering cluster of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Eindhoven University of Technology. The department offers Bachelors and Masters education programs that are integrally linked to its research areas ranging across Chemical Biology, Biosensing, Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Tissue Engineering, Computational Biology, Biomedical Imaging and Modelling, with 800+ students and 200+ academic staff. Eindhoven University of Technology is an open and inclusive institute with short communication lines. The people are curious, collaborative, and strive for excellence in research and education at an internationally renowned level. Our lively campus community facilitates connections between staff and students, in an inclusive, friendly, vibrant atmosphere that welcomes and inspires, and is an integral part of the Dutch Brainport region.

Job Requirements

We are looking for a self-motivated, ambitious, and highly talented candidate that meets the following requirements:

  • A MSc degree (or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related engineering/scientific fields.
  • A strong affinity for complex theoretical concepts in mechanics and/or applied mathematics.
  • A research-oriented attitude and a strong drive to learn and push the state-of-the-art.
  • A creative mindset, and the ability to take initiative.
  • Demonstrated experience with finite element modeling is essential.
  • Experience with homogenized constrained-mixture models or other tissue growth models, and experience with mechanical characterization of biological materials is a plus.
  • The ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and bridge research groups.
  • Excellent communication skills, fluent in spoken and written English.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

  • Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
  • Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 – max. € 3,881).  
  • A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
  • High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process
  • An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children’s day care and sports facilities.  
  • Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
  • An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
  • Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers top-level education and research in one of the most relevant and exciting scientific disciplines of the 21st century: engineering health. In combining engineering and life sciences, through challenge-based learning and a multidisciplinary approach in collaboration with hospitals, industry and others, the department addresses the great challenges of the future, striving to improve healthcare and society as a whole.


Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr. Sebastien Callens, s.j.p.callens@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices.bme@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.


Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

  • Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
  • Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
  • A transcript of your MSc course grades.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

  • You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
  • A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
  • Please do not contact us for unsolicited services. 

Reference number: 2026/193

APPLY NOW

LAB MANAGER/RESEARCH ASSISTANT (PREDOC) – KARL LANDSTEINER PRIVATE UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF BIOMECHANICS HEAD: ASSOC.-PROF. DI DR. ANDREAS REISINGER EMPLOYMENT LEVEL: 32 HOURS/WEEK 

Karl Landsteiner University is embedded in a highly successful teaching and research environment at the Krems Campus as well as within the University Hospital Network of St. Pölten, Krems, and Tulln. Through close collaboration with partner institutions in Wiener Neustadt and other strategic partners in science and research, KL pursues targeted profile development in defined areas of biomedical and biopsychosocial sciences.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Management of the Biomechanics Laboratory at the KL
  • Independent planning, execution and documentation of biomechanical studies in collaboration with (clinical) project partners in accordance with scientific quality standards
  • Design and manufacture of biomechanical testing equipment
  • Supervision and training of project staff and students in the laboratory
  • Administrative support for the laboratory including placing orders, organising equipment maintenance and repairs, managing the stored biological samples
  • Designated officers for laboratory operations (e.g. radiation protection officer, first-aid officer)
  • Assistance with university teaching within the department

YOUR PROFILE

  • A relevant Master’s degree (e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, etc.)
  • In-depth knowledge of biomechanical measurement technology (material and/or implant testing, including mechatronics and measurement data analysis)
  • Good command of German and very good command of English, both spoken and written
  • Process-oriented, precise, structured approach to work with a strong ability to prioritise
  • Open-minded, resilient and flexible personality with a professional attitude

OUR OFFER

You can expect a stimulating position where you will actively contribute to the growth of a young university within a highly motivated team. We offer flexible working hours, occupational health services, and a wide range of additional benefits.

Karl Landsteiner University is committed to an antidiscriminatory employment policy and places strong emphasis on equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified applicants with diverse backgrounds (gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, etc.) are explicitly encouraged to apply.

The minimum gross monthly salary for full-time employment (40 hours/week) is € 3.500,-, paid 14 times per year (minimum annual gross salary: € 49.000,-). Willingness to offer a higher salary depending on qualifications and experience.

APPLICATION

We look forward to receiving your application. Please apply online at https://www.kl.ac.at/en/university/career-kl, quoting reference number “2611”, by 30th April 2026.

PhD Position (FPI Fellowship) – Multiscale Modeling of Bacteria-Host Cell Interactions – University of Zaragoza

The M2BE Group (Multiscale in Biomechanics and Bioengineering) at the Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza (Spain) is seeking highly motivated candidates for a 4-year fully funded PhD contract (FPI Fellowship).
The position is linked to the research project: Simulation of Mechanical Interactions Between Bacteria and Host Cells: From 2D Monolayers to 3D Physiological Conditions (BacHoMec);, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PID2024-155426OB-I00).

🎯 Aim of the project:
Achieve a deeper understanding of the biomechanical mechanisms governing bacterial dissemination within the human body. This knowledge is intended to inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies for bacterial infections by targeting the biomechanics of host;bacteria interactions, thereby offering an alternative to conventional antibiotic treatments.

🔬 Research focus:
The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge computational and experimental approaches to investigate how bacteria mechanically interact with host cells, bridging 2D to 3D environments under physiological conditions.

✅ Requirements:
Bachelors degree in Engineering or Sciences.
Masters degree (to be completed before contract signing, expected March/April 2026).
Good level of English (spoken and written).

✨ Valued experience (not mandatory):
Computational modeling, biomechanics, microbiology, or related fields.
Matlab, Phyton, ABAQUS

📩 How to apply:
Interested candidates should contact Mª José Gómez Benito at gomezmj@unizar.es.

🌐 More about us: M2BE Group; University of Zaragoza

Join us and be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team working at the frontier of biomechanics, bioengineering, and microbiology!

PhD Position: Machine Learning in Ocular Biomechanics

The ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research is a multidisciplinary research center at the University of Bern developing medical technology solutions from basic research to clinical applications.

Application deadline: February 15, 2026 | Starting date: May /June 2026

Every year, millions of people undergo refractive surgery to correct their vision, yet outcomes remain unpredictable for patients with complex corneal conditions. Join us in developing AI-powered tools that could revolutionize how we plan and predict surgical outcomes for patients with severe visual impairment.

About the project

The Computational Bioengineering Group invites applications for a 3-4 year PhD position in machine learning and ocular biomechanics. You will develop patient-specific biomechanical models of the cornea integrated with machine learning to understand how corneal biomechanics influence visual outcomes and support prediction, treatment, and planning of refractive interventions for patients with severe visual impairment.

This SNSF-funded project is conducted jointly with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), the University of Basel (unibas), and Bern University Hospital (Inselspital). The candidate will work closely with engineers, clinicians, and data scientists in a strong translational research environment.

Research environment

The Computational Bioengineering Group develops experimental and computational methods in biomechanics to address clinically relevant problems. The group combines finite element modeling, medical image analysis, experimental tissue characterization, and data-driven methods to develop new diagnostic approaches, support surgical planning, and contribute to the design of medical technologies.

Tasks and responsibilities

  • Develop medical image analysis tools for patient-specific finite element modeling
  • Quantify biomechanical impact of surgical treatments on visual outcomes
  • Design machine learning methods to accelerate simulations and predict outcomes
  • Identify optimal treatment strategies from preoperative data

Required qualifications

  • Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or applied mathematics
  • Experience in computer vision and machine learning
  • Solid Python programming for machine learning
  • Background in mechanics and computational methods
  • Finite element analysis experience (strong asset)
  • Working in a medical regulatory environment would be a strong advantage
  • Strong English communication skills

What we offer

  • International environment in a leading biomedical engineering center
  • Close clinical interaction with real-world data access
  • Multidisciplinary team expertise (biomechanics, ML, clinical research)
  • Publication and conference opportunities in high-impact venues
  • Competitive SNSF salary with Swiss social benefits
  • Free German language courses

Application procedure

Interested candidates should submit the following documents electronically to Prof. Philippe Büchler, philippe.buechler@unibe.ch

  • Curriculum vitae, including contact details of references
  • Motivation letter describing research interests and career goals
  • Abstract of the Master’s thesis
  • Academic transcripts

FULL-TIME ACADEMIC POSITION IN BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING 

Further information can be found here (https://www.fsa.uliege.be/cms/c_9824335/en/fsa-working-at-the-fsa) and applications can be submitted here (https://my.uliege.be/glu/GLU_xt/accueilTheme.do?ai_idEs=640627&tkRfhId=176777877487920kE5) no later than 1st march 2026.

The University of Liège is the largest French-speaking public university in Belgium. It employs more than 5,700 staff members across four campuses, including 3,600 active teachers and researchers in all fields of the human and social sciences, science and technology, and health sciences. It hosts nearly 27,000 students of 123 different nationalities in one of the most multicultural and dynamic cities in Europe, less than an hour from Brussels and Cologne, two hours from Paris, and three hours from London and Amsterdam. Actively involved in the social and environmental transition, ULiège supports students to fulfil their roles as responsible citizens (training in sustainable development, Green Office, etc.) and promotes ethical, multidisciplinary and open research. ULiège is committed to the region in which it operates and contributes towards local socio-economic development. It has developed numerous partnerships, notably with the university hospital. International and united, it participates in the European University of Post-Industrial Cities, UNIC initiative and has one of the most extensive collaborative networks in the world. ULiège offers attractive career prospects in a high-quality working environment, promoting well-being, diversity and equality of opportunity. Since 2011, ULiège has been proud to display the European Human resources strategy for researchers (HRS4R) label, which reflects its commitment to open, transparent and merit-based procedures. In addition, it recognises the quality and diversity of research in line with the recommendations of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). ULiège encourages its academic staff to travel internationally and welcomes international researchers through its EURAXESS centre.

JOB DESCRIPTION

A full-time academic position, indivisible, in the field of “Biomechanical Engineering” within the Department of Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering (A&M) of the School of Engineering and Computer Science. This position includes teaching and research activities as well as services to the community.

TEACHING ACTIVITIES

The appointed candidate (M/F/X) will teach courses in the field of biomedical engineering and, more generally, will take part in the teaching activities organized by the Department. The future holder of the position will be involved in courses in the biomedical engineering domain both at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. At the Bachelor’s level the focus will be on introducing the basic concepts of biomedical engineering and their application to biological/biomedical systems. Teaching at the Master’s level will involve the application of engineering concepts and tools in the broad fields of biomechanics, medicine, and life sciences.  More specifically, the following courses, currently part of the program (https://www.programmes.uliege.be/cocoon/20252026/en/formations/bref/A2SBIM01.html), would be directly related to the expected teaching load:

  • Biophysics and Biochemistry (5 ECTS),
  • Modeling of Biological Systems (5 ECTS),
  • Laboratory Projects (5 ECTS),
  • Medical Device Design Projects (10 ECTS).

The appointed candidate will also develop new courses/topics related to biomedical engineering based on his/her specific expertise and research direction. This will be done within the framework of existing courses as well as by proposing new courses, such as: 

  • Advances in silico medicine (5 ECTS)
  • Computational biomechanics (new course)
  • Biomechanics of soft tissues (new course)

The future holder of the position will also participate in supervising internships and master thesis in their field of research.

The teaching load will not exceed 250 hours per year (including any practical work and seminars under the responsibility of the instructor).

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

The appointed candidate will develop high-level research activity in the field of computational or experimental biomechanics, proposing a research focus complementary to the biomechanics activities already existing within the A&M Department (which include: biomechanics of hard tissues, biomechanics of soft tissue–bone interfaces, movement biomechanics). The new position shall therefore be oriented toward one or more of the following research areas:

  • Multiscale characterization of soft tissues, aiming to link mechanical properties at the molecular, cellular, and organ levels.
  • Mechanobiology and tissue adaptation: study of the influence of mechanical stresses on the growth, remodeling, repair, and degeneration of tissues.
  • In silico medicine: direct application of computational models (individualized or individualizable) to support the prevention, prediction, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases at various spatial and temporal scales, ranging from individual cells to tissues, organs, and full physiological systems.
  • Computational modeling and simulation: development of constitutive laws, finite-element models, and AI-based approaches to predict tissue behavior under physiological and pathological conditions. 
  • Biomechanics of trauma and rehabilitation: modeling and analysis of injury mechanisms and recovery processes.
  • Medical and clinical applications: biomechanics-guided design of prostheses, implants, and surgical tools; personalized modeling for diagnosis, treatment planning, and precision medicine.
  • Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: integration of biomechanical principles into the design of scaffolds, organoids, and artificial tissues.
  • Mechanics of cardiovascular and neural tissues: analysis of the mechanical behavior of blood vessels, heart valves, and neural tissues in normal and pathological conditions.
  • Transport phenomena in biological tissues and biofluid flows.

A strong integration with the research activities carried out within the A&M Department is expected, as well as the strengthening of partnerships with the Faculty of Medicine, the GIGA (interdisciplinary biomedical research institute of the University of Liège), the CHU (university hospital), research centers, and companies involved in developing advanced numerical tools for biomechanical and biomedical applications.

SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY

The holder of the position will take part in service activities aimed at promoting the work carried out within the School of Engineering and Computer Science. The selected candidate will be required to:

  • Ensure the dissemination and valorization of their work within their research networks, companies, public institutions, and the various organizations active in their field of expertise;
  • Contribute to the proper functioning of the Department, the School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the University through its various governing bodies.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED / PROFILE

  • Hold a PhD in engineering sciences and technology or equivalent;
  • Have international research experience and publications in reputable international journals and conferences;
  • Be able to teach in English. The ability to teach in French will be an asset.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of their applications by a selection committee set up by the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Successful candidates will then be invited to an audition, which will include a sample lesson, a presentation of their research project and a general discussion with the selection committee. In line with the University of Liège’s institutional policy of diversity and equal opportunity, applicants are selected on the basis of their qualities, regardless of age, sexual orientation, origin, beliefs, disability or nationality.

APPLICATIONS

Applications should be made using the online form available on the following website: https://my.uliege.be/portail/go_xt.do?a=o%7C11004%7Ce%7C640627. To be eligible, applications must be submitted no later than 1st March 2026 (before midnight Belgian time).

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Cover letter.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • Copies of diplomas and certificates.
  • A report (max. 3 pages) on previous and current research activities, including a list of the 5 main publications and a description of his/her contribution to the state of the art.
  •  A research statement (max. 3 pages) describing the activities that the candidate wishes to develop, including their planned integration within the University of Liège, the Faculty of Applied Science, and the Department of Aerospace and Mechanics. 
  • A teaching statement (max. 3 pages) including a report on any previous teaching activities and a teaching project describing the candidate’s views on teaching methods and topics related to the position. 
  • The names and contact details of three international experts from whom the selection committee can obtain recommendations.

These documents must be uploaded in PDF format to the online application platform (see link in the “APPLICATIONS” section).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The position is awarded either for a fixed term of four years, or, in certain exceptional circumstances, immediately on a permanent basis.

If a fixed term contract is awarded, an evaluation will be carried out at the end of the third year.

  • If the evaluation is negative, the person’s appointment will end after the fourth year.
  • If the evaluation is positive, the person will be appointed permanently

INFORMATION

A detailed description of the academic position and work environment is available on the faculty website

Any information concerning academic activities can be obtained from the Professor Vincent TERRAPON – tel.: +32 (0)4 366 92 68 –Vincent.Terrapon@uliege.be  

Additional information may be obtained from: Ms Aurélie LECCA, Administrative Director of the School of Engineering and Computer Science – tel.: +32 (0)4 366 94 68 – Aurelie.Lecca@uliege.be

REMUNERATION

Basic appointments are made at the grade of lecturer. 

The gross monthly salary at the start of the scale (on a full-time basis) is currently €5,992.58, to which is added an end of year allowance (in December) and a holiday allowance (in June).

In exception circumstances, the Faculty may submit a substantiated application to obtain a higher grade in the salary scale (length-of-service bonus).

The career of full-time teaching staff includes the grades of lecturer, professor, and full professor. Career development (after the recruitment grade) is possible through the promotions’ procedure, the terms and conditions of which are defined by the Board of Directors. 

Please contact the Human Resources department for further information on careers, salary scales, and the terms and conditions of their application: Ms Valérie MELOTTE – Val.melotte@uliege.be

BENEFITS

  • Statutory” position which can lead to a public sector pension if the appointment is permanent.
  • Financial contribution to private relocation expenses.
  • Possibility of assistance with access to the labour market for partners.
  • University of Liège professional relocation allowance of €2,500 for a full-time position.
  • Start-up budget for research activities of €15k. 
  • Integration within the A&M Department, benefiting from the corresponding local services.
  • Initial and ongoing teaching training provided by the Institut de Formation et de Recherche en Enseignement (IFRES).
  • Wide range of training courses available. 
  • Welcome seminar and introduction to the bodies and operations of the Université of Liège (two-and-a-half days in September).
  • Meal vouchers with a face value of €5 per working day.
  • Full refund of public transport costs between the home and the workplace.
  • Flat-rate payment for travel by bicycle. 
  • Call for proposals for the allocation of teaching and research credits.
  • Help with setting up research projects. 
  • Preferential rate for registration for a ULiège course, also applicable to children.
  • Possibility of preferential conditions for taking out private insurance.
  • Preferential rates and reductions in a wide range of fields – shops, leisure, culture, training, sport, etc. (Benefits at Work).          

PhD in Computational Modelling of Bone Regeneration in Compromised Environments

This vacancy represents an exciting opportunity for ambitious individuals to join the computational group led by Aurélie Carlier as part of the DRIVE-RM program. The PhD researcher will perform cutting-edge research in computational modeling methods applied to regenerative medicine and more specifically, to bone regeneration.

PhD in Computational Modelling of Bone Regeneration in Compromised Environments

  • Our goal: Advance regenerative medicine by developing in silico models that reveal how bone regenerates including how this process changes in compromised biological environments.
  • Your colleagues: A collaborative team of computational modelers, biologists, and engineers at MERLN, working at the interface of data-driven and mechanistic modelling.


Regenerative medicine (RM) holds the promise to cure many of what are now chronic patients, restoring health rather than protracting decline, bettering the lives of millions and at the same time preventing lifelong, expensive care processes: cure instead of care. The scientific community has made large steps in this direction over the past decade, however, our understanding of the fundamentals of cell, tissue and organ regeneration and of how to stimulate and guide this with intelligent biomaterials in the human body is still in its infancy. Specifically, it is crucial to understand the underlying regenerative mechanisms and how these are altered in compromised environments (e.g. due to aging or co-morbidities such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease). This research project aims to develop and use in silico models to simulate the bone regeneration process, to improve our fundamental understanding thereof, and use the obtained knowledge to design improved regenerative medicine strategies.  

Project description: 
•    Development of a bone regeneration map
•    Computational modeling of bone regeneration (partial differential equations)
•    Bringing novel, cutting-edge approaches (e.g. PINNs) to modeling of regenerative processes
•    Parameter optimization and sensitivity analysis 
•    Analysis and integration of various in vitro/in vivo data for model calibration 
•    Approximately 5% of your time will be dedicated to tutoring, teaching, or supervising students.


Are you ready to push boundaries in regenerative medicine? Then we would love to meet you.

Interested? 
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Dr. Aurélie Carlier at a.carlier@maastrichtuniversity.nl. Further information and application link can be found here.


 

PhD Position University of Glasgow – Computational Biomechanics Research Group

Are you interested in undertaking a PhD in the interdisciplinary field of computational cardiovascular biomechanics? If so, there are positions available in my research group and details are provided below.

Further information: If you are interested or want more information, please contact me at my email (ankush.aggarwal@glasgow.ac.uk) before starting the formal application. Please visit Computational Biomechanics Research Group page or my staff page for more information on our research. 

Project Summary: Almost 30% of all deaths globally are related to cardiovascular diseases. The overall aim of computational cardiovascular biomechanics is to help improve the diagnosis of these diseases (faster, earlier, more precise), provide better surgical outcomes, and design devices that last longer. To achieve that aim, we study the biomechanical properties of tissues and cells comprising the cardiovascular system using a combination of in-vivo imaging, ex-vivo and in-vitro testing, and in-silico modeling. Several project topics are available, including, but not limited to:

1) Predicting aneurysm development from ultrasound images using growth and remodeling simulations
2) Drug-based treatment of aneurysms: a computational study
3) Uncertainty quantification in image-based cardiovascular biomechanics
4) Image-based cardiovascular diagnosis using machine-learning
5) Development of a digital twin of the thoracic aorta

During this project, the student will have opportunities to:

  • Develop skills necessary to work at the interface of engineering and biomedical science
  • Publish papers in high-quality journals
  • Present research results at international conferences
  • Learn about nonlinear finite element analysis, nonlinear mechanics, multiscale modeling, image-based analysis, data science, and other numerical techniques
  • Learn about experimental and clinical validation
  • Collaborate with our international academic and industrial partners
  • Interact within the Glasgow Centre for Computational Engineering with other researchers (GCEC) and across departments with biomedical scientists and clinicians

Eligibility: Candidates must have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mathematics and Computing Science, with excellent grades. A background in mechanics and knowledge of numerical methods (such as finite element analysis) would be necessary. Programming skills will be required for computational modeling.

Application: The deadline for applications is 31 January 2026, and the application process consists of two parts:

1) On-line academic application: Go to https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/infrastructureenvironment/ and click on the ‘Apply now’ tab. Applicants should attach relevant documents such as CV, transcripts, references and a research proposal.

2) Scholarship: Depending on the eligibility, you can apply for competitive scholarships, such as UofG School of Engineering Scholarship, CSC Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, etc. These are listed on https://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/scienceengineering/graduateschool/scholarships/#pgrscholarships Please feel free to get in touch to discuss further.

Two Fully Funded PhD Positions in TMJ Biomechanics / AI – Medical University of Vienna (Austria)

We are recruiting two PhD candidates for an FWF-funded project on the biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The goal is to build jaw digital twins, combining morphology, muscle coordination and joint loading, to advance understanding of TMD and its higher prevalence in women. Work is at the interface of AI and mechanics-based simulation in a highly interdisciplinary setting.

Tracks
• PhD 1: ML-enhanced, reduced-coordinate hybrid FE / rigid-body modelling linking TMJ morphology to mechanical stress.
• PhD 2: Reinforcement-learning driven muscle coordination & motor control in jaw function.

Requirements
• MSc (or equivalent) in biomedical/mechanical engineering, computer science, physics, or related discipline
• Strong programming (e.g., Python; PyTorch/TensorFlow; Java)
• Interest in AI + simulation for human biomechanics
• Experience in FE modelling, rigid-body simulation, RL, or medical imaging/biomech data is a plus

We offer
• Fully funded 3–4 year PhD positions at Medical University of Vienna
• Integration with the Competence Center AI in Dentistry and the Comprehensive Center for AI in Medicine
• Outstanding research environment and quality of life in Vienna

Apply & Contact
• Deadline: 30 November 2025
• Apply / details: https://oc10.meduniwien.ac.at/open-phd-positions

PostDoc Position at Insigneo Institute, University of Sheffield, UK

Want to join us in developing the next generation of orthopaedic implants for bone cancer and trauma patients?

This project aims to characterise the mechanical properties of the bone-implant at different stages of bone ingrowth, so as to inform orthopaedic implant design to achieve improved long-term clinical outcomes for patients. We are looking for someone with a PhD in mechanical engineering or bioengineering, strong expertise in mechanical testing of bone or biomaterials or composites and experience with microCT imaging. Experience with in situ mechanical testing and digital volume correlation will be an advantage. 

This is a 2 year post based at Insigneo Institute, University of Sheffield, UK, that includes a placement at an orthopaedic implant manufacturer, with a salary of around £38 – 41k. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Vee San Cheong and Prof Enrico Dall’Ara. It’s a great opportunity for someone who wants to work at the intersection of academia, industry and preclinical testing.

https://jobsite.sheffield.ac.uk/job/Sheffield-Research-Associate-in-Experimental-Bone-Biomechanics/1777-en_GB

Two Postdoctoral Positions in Biofabrication at the MERLN Institute

Postdoc Position 1: Computational Biofabrication
Research Focus:
You will contribute to the design and optimization of 3D-printed biomaterial scaffolds using advanced computational approaches. Your role will be central in building mathematical models of scaffold architecture and function, and applying machine learning and evolutionary algorithms to guide the automated generation of novel scaffold designs. This project will include both in silico work (modeling, software development) and experimental validation (fabrication and mechanical/structural characterization of scaffolds).

Postdoc Position 2: Stem Cell Bioengineering
Research Focus:
This position centers around developing and optimizing 3D culture systems for human iPSCs and organoids in combination with engineered scaffolds. You will be responsible for setting up cell culture protocols, performing biological assays, and working closely with materials scientists to integrate cells into biofabricated environments for organoid development and disease modeling.

Two Postdoctoral Positions in Biofabrication at the MERLN Institute – CTR Department Job Details | Maastricht University

Two Postdoctoral Positions in Biofabrication at the MERLN Institute – CTR Department — Maastricht University (UM) — AcademicTransfer

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4267183154


Corporate members of the ESB:

AMTI force and motion logo
BERTEC logo
Beta CAE logo
BoB Biomechanics logo
Materialise logo
Nobel Biocare logo
SHL Medical logo