ESBiomech24 Congress in Edinburgh

Open Position: Biomechanics and Proteomics at TU Wien

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Open Position for a University Assistant in Biomechanics and Proteomics

 

Description:                            The Institute of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics (ILSB) of TU Wien invites applications for the position of a University Assistant in the area of biomechanics and protein analysis. The mechanics of biological tissue are closely related to their hierarchical structure and composition. For example the absence of certain noncollagenous proteins in bone has been shown to be deleterious for fracture toughness. Similarly, the presence of sugar-mediated cross-links in collagen within bone as well as in musculoskeletal soft tissues such as tendons or ligaments is thought to alter their material properties. The candidate sought for this position will work at the cross-roads of tissue composition and mechanics, whereby the compositional aspects will be investigated via mass-spectrometry methods under supervision of Prof. M. Marchetti-Deschmann of the Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics of TU Wien. A special focus will be on the compositional aspects of the enthesis (the tendon-to-bone-junction) as well as on tendon and isolated individual collagen fibrils. Mechanical tests will be conducted mostly with via atomic force microscopy in the Interfacultary Laboratory for Nano- and Micromechanics of Biological and Biomimetical Materials, employing where the ILSB is a major stakeholder. In addition to conducting research towards a PhD degree the post will also entail participation in administrative tasks and teaching activities at the ILSB.

Qualifications:                      We are looking for an individual with a completed MSc in Biomedical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline. Skills and knowledge in biomechanics, biochemistry, chemical analysis will be advantageous. Further, German language skills (native speaker or level B2 according to CEFR) are required.

Further information:              For informal discussions contact Professor Philipp Thurner, pthurner@ilsb.tuwien.ac.at

How to apply:                          Send applications to rene.fuchs@tuwien.ac.at no later than March 9th 2018

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Skeletal Ageing and Biomechanics at Insigneo

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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Skeletal Ageing and Biomechanics at Insigneo

Job Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Skeletal Ageing and Biomechanics

Description:
A position has become available for a highly motivated postdoctoral research scientist to be involved with studies to determine the effects of geroprotectors on bone and joint ageing.
You will use ex vivo X-ray microCT and histomorphometry combined with new computational approaches for an in depth structural analysis of bone, bone strength, cartilage degradation and subchondral bone changes.
The post is funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and will be based at the Insigneo Institute for In silico Medicine and the MRC Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA) in Sheffield.
You should hold a PhD in Engineering, Physics or related disciplines, be familiar with experimental, imaging, image processing and computational modelling techniques for assessment of bone properties. A willingness to learn histological techniques is also essential.
The post is fixed term until the end of December 2019, reporting to Dr Enrico Dall’Ara and Prof. Bellantuono

Contact: e.dallara@sheffield.ac.uk
Start position: As soon as possible
Duration: until the end of December 2019
Closing application: 25th January 2018
Link Application (use in Keywords: “UOS018139”):
https://jobs.shef.ac.uk/sap/bc/webdy…ign=jobs-link#

Salary: Grade 7; £30,175 to £38,183 per annum

 

Postdoc position at TU/e – Mechanical Optimization of Scoliosis Treatment

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Postdoc Mechanical Optimization of Scoliosis Treatment

The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has the following vacancy: Postdoctoral researcher – Mechanical Optimization of Scoliosis Treatment

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Job description

About TU/e:

The TU/e is a University of Technology with a focus on Health, Energy and Mobility. Within the Health area, several departments cooperate on topics such as Chemical Biology, Regenerative Medicine, Computational Biology, and Biosensing, with close links to healthcare and industry. The TU/e is an open and inclusive university with short communication lines. The people are curious, collaborative, and strive for excellence. TU/e enables its academic staff to develop research and education at an internationally renowned level. Our lively campus community facilitates connections between staff and students, in an open, friendly, vibrant atmosphere that welcomes and inspires.

About BME:

The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers a research driven BME Bachelor program and Masters in Biomedical Engineering and Medical Engineering in its Graduate Program. Its research areas range from Molecular Bioengineering and Imaging, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering to Biomedical Imaging and Modelling. The department has more than 800 students and up to 200 tenured and non-tenured employees.

About the Orthopaedic Biomechanics group:

This group combines the disciplines of engineering and biology to increase our knowledge of the adaptive, developmental and physiological nature of musculoskeletal tissues. This knowledge is then applied to explore and develop regenerative treatment strategies, currently applied to bone, articular cartilage, intervertebral disc and tendons/ligaments. The group consists of multi-disciplinary scientists and engineers at all levels employing numerical and experimental as well as engineering, imaging, biological and chemical techniques.

About InSciTe:

This position is part of the Chemelot Institute for Science & Technology (InSciTe), a public-private institute for developing smart healing biomedical materials for high quality, affordable healthcare. With its physical nucleus at Brightlands Chemelot Campus, it enables entrepreneurship, expertise, experimentation and education in an open innovation network. In this project, the founding partners, MUMC+, TU/e and DSM will work together with other partners to achieve their aim of bringing a new treatment for scoliosis to first-in-man trials.

Job description

In earlier work, the partners developed a new strategy for the treatment of scoliosis (an abnormal curvature of the spine) in growing children. With this strategy, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibres are used in combination with metal rods to correct the spinal deformity. The number of levels to be treated, as well as the placement of fixation screw, however, are dependent on the severity of the deformation and other patient-specific factors. In order to optimize the design, a computer model is developed based on the finite element method. This model can represent the spine and the instrumentation and can be made to fit the patent by adjusting a limited number of parameters. The aim of the project is to develop this model into a pre-clinical and a patient-specific pre-operative tool to optimize the treatment. As these suggestions for optimization involve other parts of the project, there will be close interaction with the entire team.

 

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Job requirements

We are accepting applications from enthusiastic candidates who are interested in a dynamic, stimulating and ambitious environment to perform their work. The candidate must have a PhD degree in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics or equivalent.

Candidates are expected to have good (bio)mechanical insight, extensive experience with (non-linear) finite element analyses (e.g. using MSC.Marc, Abaqus or Ansys), mechanical testing techniques, and interested in manufacturing and developing a product and establishing dedicated testing environments. The candidate will be able to effectively communicate scientific ideas, foster collaboration and have a capability for independent thinking. Moreover, the candidate should be able to work independently within a dynamic team and be skilled in written and spoken English.

Conditions of employment

We offer you:

  • An exciting job in a dynamic work environment
    • A full time appointment for 1 year by Eindhoven University of Technology (www.tue.nl/en). After a good evaluation your contract can be extended with an additional year.
    • A gross monthly salary is in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (scale 10 ), depending on your experience.
  • The possibility to present your work at international conferences.
  • An attractive package of fringe benefits, including end-of-year bonus (8,3% in December), an extra holiday allowance (8% in May), moving expenses and excellent sports facilities.

 

 

Information and application

Information and procedure

If you would like to apply, please send us your application by using the ‘apply now’ button on the TU/e website.

Your application should be addressed to dr. Bert van Rietbergen or prof.dr. Keita Ito, and must include:  a one-page personal motivation letter, a CV including the names and contact details of two recent references and a transcript of your masters studies. Only complete applications will be considered.

Screening of applicants will start as soon as applications are received and will continue until the position has been filled.

Online application: https://jobs.tue.nl/en/vacancy/postdoc-mechanical-optimization-of-scoliosis-treatment-328493.html

PhD in Biomechanics at EMPA, Switzerland

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Empa – the place where innovation starts

Empa is the research institute for materials science and technology of the ETH Domain and conducts cutting-edge research for the benefit of industry and the well-being of society.

Our Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures in Thun is looking for a

 

PhD Student in the field of Biomechanics

Your Tasks

You will work on a project funded by the Special Focus Area Personalized Health and Related Technologies (PHRT) of the ETH Domain. The research will contribute to understanding the effect of aging and disease on the composition and multiscale mechanical properties of bone and its impact on whole bone strength. You will be enrolled in a doctoral program in Biomedical Engineering at University of Bern and investigate properties of human bone biopsies in collaboration with clinical partners. During  the course of the  project, you will be involved in sample preparation, micromechanical experiments under physiological conditions, Raman spectroscopy, proteome analysis, as well as in-depth statistical data analysis.

The project is initiated in cooperation with Prof. Philippe Zysset of the Institute of Surgical Technology and Biomechanics of the University of Bern. Further project partners are situated at the Inselspital of the University of Bern as well as ETH Zürich.

Your Profile

You must hold a Master’s or an equivalent Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Materials Science. A high motivation to work at the leading edge of biomedical research in an international, multidisciplinary team is essential. Good knowledge of English (oral and written) is very important and knowledge of German would be an advantage. Experience in biomedical research, nanomechanical testing, as well as programming (e.g. Python, Matlab) is desirable.

For further information about the position please contact Dr. Jakob Schwiedrzik  jakob.schwiedrzik@empa.ch or Dr. Johann Michler johann.michler@empa.ch  and  visit  our websites www.empa.ch/web/s206 and Empa-Video

We look forward to receiving your online application including a letter of motivation,  CV, diplomas with transcripts and contact details of two to three referees. Please upload  the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered.

Empa, Jolanda Müller, Human Resources, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.

PhD in mechanistic modelling of chondrocyte-mediated destruction of hyaline cartilage in relation with subchondral bone morphology and inflammation – UPF, Barcelona

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PhD in mechanistic modelling of chondrocyte-mediated destruction of hyaline cartilage in relation with subchondral bone morphology and inflammation in osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc degeneration

 

CENTER

Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dept. of Information & Communication Technologies, DTIC-UPF

https://portal.upf.edu/es/web/etic/inicio

CENTER DESCRIPTION

The Department of Information and Communication Technologies (DTIC) of Universitat Pompeu Fabra covers a broad range of research topics: Computation and Intelligent Systems; Multimedia Technologies; Networks and Communications; Computational Biology and Biomedical Systems; and the Center of Brain and Cognition (CBC). This broad spectrum of topics reflects the current interdisciplinary reality of cutting edge research in ICT. The DTIC is now running a Maria de Maeztu Strategic Research Program on data-driven knowledge extraction, boosting synergistic research initiatives across our different research areas.

The DTIC consistently ranks among the top computer science departments in Spain (e.g. the only computer science department from an Spanish university that has even been included in the top 100 of the Shanghai Ranking).

Its PhD program offers advanced training in this interdisciplinary field, becoming an innovative and unique program in Spain. The DTIC PhD program has been growing steadily and currently hosts about 140 PhD students and 40 supervisors. The program received a Mention of Excellence award from the Ministry of Science and Innovation in 2011.

The UPF university was awarded in 2010 the distinction of International Excellence Campus by the Spanish Ministry of Education and it is widely considered to be one of the best universities in Spain (e.g. is the top Spanish university according to 2013 Times Higher Education Ranking).

The UPF is located in Barcelona. Its excellent location on the shores of the Mediterranean, its gentle climate, its open, cosmopolitan character, its gastronomy and architecture make Barcelona an extraordinary place to live. The DTIC is sited in UPF’s Communication Campus, which was opened in 2009 and is located within the vibrant 22@ technological district of Barcelona.

Indicators:  

  • Research incomes: 15.6 M€ / year
  • 67 FP7 projects participated and coordinated by 26 staff members (> 60% UPF EU funds) including 13 prestigious ERC Grants, the Human Brain Project
  • Leader in Spain with  > 5% of all the competitive funds obtained by Spanish Universities, Maria de Maeztu Strategic Program.
  • Consolidated scientific productivity ~200 articles/year, > 75% Q1 international journals
  • 50% scientific papers and articles with at least one international collaborator
ADDRESS

Roc Boronat, 138 – edifici Tànger, 08018 Barcelona, Barcelona

GROUP DISCIPLINES

Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering Panel

GROUP LEADER

Dr.Jerôme Noailly

jerome.noailly@upf.edu

https://www.upf.edu/web/bcn-medtech

POSITION DESCRIPTION
-Research Project / Research Group Description:

The proposed PhD will involve the Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (BMMB) and the Machine Learning for Personalised Medicine areas of BCN MedTech. BCN MedTech focuses on biomedical integrative research, including mathematical and computational models, algorithms and systems for computer-aided diagnosis and treatment of health problems. It has 60 full time researchers working on computational simulations, image analyses, signal processing, machine learning, and biomedical electronics.

Early cartilage degradation in osteochondral systems is poorly understood. In early osteoarthritis (OA), new theories point out the involvement of subchondral bone structural and mechanical changes [1]. In the IVD, the hyaline cartilage adjacent to the subchondral bone shows the first signs of ageing [2], and numerical explorations by the BMMB team have pointed out that specific subchondral bone structures induce above-average fluid velocities in the adjacent cartilage [3]. Thanks to the coupling of continuum tissue models and cell biology models, the BMMB team has recently demonstrated that early degradation of the IVD osteochondral layer is likely to result in the propagation of degenerative changes in the organ [4].

Accordingly, this project will explore new common paradigms of early OA and IVD degeneration processes through mechanistic modelling of the relationships among tissue interstitial fluid flow, chondrocyte mechanostimulation, inflammation and cartilage extracellular matrix turnover. It will involve finite element poromechanical models, and agent-based models of chondrocyte biological activity in different physical and biochemical environments. Model assessment will be achieved through experimental data on articular cartilage biology and multiphysics in OA patients, though an ongoing collaborative project with the Hospital del Mar, and though collaborations with the Universites of Zaragoza and Liège. Simulation results will be analysed through interpretable machine learning techniques.

-Job position description:

The successful candidate will work in a highly international environment in interaction with biomechanicians, biologists and computer scientists. He/She will be in charge of developing an intracellular network model for the simulation of chondrocyte mechanosensitivity in different inflammatory and nutritional environments, based on generic systems biology Boolean models. He/She will also handle multiphysics poromechanical models of the cartilage tissue matrix available at UPF to simulate the mechanical environment of the chondrocytes, simulated as agents. Sensitivity analyses, model evaluation and result interpretation will involve state-of-the-art techniques for model uncertainty evaluation and parameter/result classifications through in-house interpretable machine learning theories. He/She will actively participate to internal research seminars and international conferences in fields related with biomedical engineering, biomechanics, systems biology and rheumatology.

Candidates are expected to have a bachelor and master degrees in biomedical engineering, physics, applied mathematics or any related fields. They should be able to work in a team environment and have good communication skills. Proficient English is mandatory. For any inquiry, please contact Dr Jerome Noailly: Jerome.noailly@upf.edu

References
[1] Li, G. et al, 2013. Arthritis Res. Ther. 15, 223. doi:10.1186/ar4405
[2] Benneker, L.M., et al, 2005. Eur. Spine J. 14, 27–35. doi:10.1007/s00586-004-0759-4
[3] Malandrino, A., et al, 2014. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 22, 1053–60. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2014.05.005
[4] Baumgartner L., et al, 2017. Altered cell activity in the intervertebral disc transition zone due to early cartilage endplate degeneration. 23rd Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics, 2-3 July 2017, Seville, Spain

Application (through “La Caixa” Foundation online system)

https://www.lacaixafellowships.org/index.aspx

Contact for inquiries and support: jerome.noailly@upf.edu

PhD position @ University of Portsmouth: 4D microCT evaluation and digital volume correlation of alloys for bone regeneration

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4D microCT evaluation and digital volume correlation (DVC) of Mg-based alloys for bone regeneration

Project Description

Start date: 01 February 2018
Application deadline: 31 December 2017
Interview date: week commencing the 15th January 2018Applications are invited for a fully-funded, three-year PhD studentship at the University of Portsmouth, to commence at the beginning of February, 2018. This PhD is in collaboration with Botiss Biomaterials and the successful applicant will get the opportunity to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team that brings together expertise in biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration, X-ray computed tomography (XCT), in situ mechanical testing and digital volume correlation (DVC). The candidate will benefit from support in Biomechanical Imaging available at the Zeiss Global Centre (ZGC) in the School of Engineering. Professor Gordon Blunn (University of Portsmouth) and Dr Mike Barbeck (Botiss Biomaterials) complete the supervisory team.

Project
Mg-based biomaterlals are able to provide structural support in load-bearing regions and allow bone regeneration to take place over time. However, uncontrolled degradation rate in vivo could result in insufficient mechanical stability during regeneration. Recently, high-resolution microCT imaging combined with in situ mechanical testing (4D evaluation) and digital volume correlation (DVC) allowed a detailed assessment of local microdamage progression, as well as the quantification of 3D deformation in bone-biomaterial systems. However, to date the mechanical competence of Mg-bone integration in vivo is still unknown. The aim of this project is to investigate how the mechanical behaviour of Mg-based implants is influenced by dissolution time and osteoregeneratlon performance. The project will ultimately produce fundamental knowledge aiming at fully establishing Mg-based alloys in the clinical context, through the development of a new generation of products for orthopaedic applications.

Candidate specification
Applications from candidates with a background in biomechanics, biomaterials, X-ray tomography, mechanical testing or related subject areas are welcomed. The successful applicant will receive adequate training and support to develop the necessary skills for a successful completion of the programme. We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed candidate with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.

Fees
The fully-funded, full-time three-year studentship provides a stipend that is in line with that offered by Research Councils UK of £14,553 per annum as well as a waiver of tuition fees. The successful candidate will also receive full access to the University’s Graduate School Development Programme, research training, and internal qualifications that enable applications for Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.

Enquiries and application
Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be made to Dr Gianluca Tozzi on +44 (0)23 9284 2514 or via email at .

You can apply online by submitting your CV, two references and copies of any relevant qualifications. Please quote the project code – ENGN3861217- when prompted. In your application, please indicate your motivation for applying for the post and also outline how your experience and skill-set will contribute to the project. If English is not your first language, please provide evidence of IELTS (score of 6.5, with no component falling below 6.0).

Funding Notes

The fully-funded full-time studentship provides three years of support to cover tuition fees, and a stipend that is in line with that offered by Research Councils UK of £14,553 per annum.

ERC-Funded PhD Position in Computational Modelling of Bone Adaptation and Regeneration – ETHZ

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The Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics headed by Prof. Ralph Müller at the Department of Health Sciences & Technology, Institute for Biomechanics at ETH Zurich is offering an
ERC-Funded PhD Position in Computational Modelling of Bone Adaptation and Regeneration
The aim of the research is to develop computational models of bone adaptation and regeneration incorporating data from the cellular to the organ scale. A range of computational models exist which propose a variety of mechanisms by which bone is adapting and regenerating at both tissue and the cell level. Simulations become especially useful when examining complex mechanically driven systems such as the bone remodeling process and therefore have been gaining momentum in the scientific community. Unfortunately, the insight, which can be provided by cell or tissue level models, is limited, while the two systems remain unlinked and validation with detailed cell-level data are still lacking. Within this position, therefore, novel computational tools will be developed to simulate the mechanoregulation in bone associated with adaptation and regeneration. A multiscale model will be developed combining three types of computer models: Boolean networks to model interaction between molecules and cells; cellular automaton to model bone microstructure; and micro-finite element analysis to calculate mechanical tissue loading; the mechanical signal for the bone cells. In the end, these simulations will be compared to in vivo data from an animal experimental study. This PhD project is embedded in a larger group effort funded by the European Research Council (ERC) through an ERC Advanced Grant called MechAGE, which aims to investigate in vivo single-cell mechanomics of bone adaptation and regeneration in the aging mouse.
The successful candidate holds or will soon receive a master’s degree in Computational Science and Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Mathematics, preferably with some background in computational modelling with cellular automaton and Boolean networks. It is essential that the candidate is willing and motivated to work on the foundations of biological computer modelling and simulation. Additionally, excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) are required.

We look forward to receiving your online application including a motivation letter, CV, university transcripts and names and contact details of two references. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information about the group please visit our website www.bone.ethz.ch. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Patrik Christen by email patrik.christen[at]hest.ethz.ch.

To apply please visit https://apply.refline.ch/845721/5785/.

PhD position in Biomechanics – Karl Landsteiner University of Health Science

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Established in 2013, the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (KL) is part of an academic and research community located at the Campus Krems, and includes a network of comprising teaching hospitals in St. Pölten, Krems and Tulln. The university offers degree programmes in Human Medicine, Psychotherapy, Counselling Sciences and Psychology, which are tailored to the requirements of the Bologna model, opening the door to new, cutting-edge health professions. KL is committed to raising its profile in specific areas of biomedicine, biomedical engineering, and biopsychosocial sciences by entering into strategic academic and research partnerships with other institutions.

Starting at January 2018, the department of anatomy and biomechanics (division of biomechanics, Prof. Dieter Pahr, dieter.pahr@kl.ac.at) offers a research position, which is limited to the duration of three years:

PhD Position in Biomechanics

Your responsibilities:

  • Participation in the funded research projects
  • In more detail, using of micro CT imaging, biomechanical testing, finite element simulations, and 3d printing
  • Programming of evaluation- and analysis scripts
  • Assistance in teaching in the fields of mathematics, physics, informatics and biomedical engineering
  • Engagement in other research projects

Your profile:

  • Degree in civil or mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, technical physics, or similar fields
  • Basic knowledge in programming, biomechanics, imaging (CT), experimental material characterization
  • Good English skills
  • Skills in script programming as well as experience in finite elements simulations of advantage
  • The willingness to support teaching, experience is of advantage
  • Self-responsible and reliable working approach
  • Interest on scientific working and writing a dissertation thesis
  • Friendly and team oriented personality

Your perspective:

  • You can expect a challenging job in an internationally recognized and highly motivated team

Research Topics

  • Biomechanical characterization and FEA simulations in the field of endochondral ossification for bone regeneration
  • Biomechanical investigation of the degradation behavior and FEA simulation in the field of biodegradable magnesium alloys for implants

 

The Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences is dedicated to achieving a balanced mix of male and female academic and non-academic staff. Consequently, applications from female candidates are particularly welcome. The minimum gross salary for this position is € 2,045. Overpayment based on the internal salary structure and individual qualifications and experience is possible.

 

Applications should include a motivation letter, curriculum vitae, and credentials and should be mailed by 19. November 2017 to Ms. Christina Schwaiger of the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences,

Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500 Krems, Austria (bewerbung@kl.ac.at).

The division of biomechanics is constantly looking for pre-doc candidates. Therefore, we also accept unsolicited applications after the deadline.

Research Assistant (Postdoc) position @ University of Portsmouth in bone regeneration

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The School of Engineering is seeking to appoint a research assistant (RA) to contribute to the project “Development of first in vitro protocol for bone formation from osteoregenerative biomaterials”, resulting from a collaborative effort between two research centres at the University of Portsmouth (Zeiss Global Centre: http://www.port.ac.uk/school-of-engineering/zeiss-global-centre/ and Biomaterials and Drug Delivery: http://www.port.ac.uk/school-of-pharmacy-and-biomedical-sciences/research/biomaterials-and-drug-delivery/), one at the University of Southampton (Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/chdscr/about/academics/richard_oreffo.page) and the  commercial partner CellScale (http://cellscale.com/).

The project aims to develop the first in vitro protocol for bone regeneration induced by osteoregenerative biomaterials. This will be achieved through investigation of the relationship between the mechanical characteristics of the employed biomaterials and their ability to produce new bone in a biological environment. The research will provide a better understanding of bone formation when simulated physiological loading is applied, resulting in the development of optimised bone repair materials. In addition, correlative imaging combining confocal microscopy, x-ray microscopy and mechanical testing will ensure in-depth knowledge of the entire transition from cell activity to regenerated bone quality. Overall, the project will provide an initial platform aiming at substituting animal studies in the next future and representing a breakthrough methodological tool for the development of new bone treatments.

The successful candidate should have a strong background in at least two of the following areas: bioengineering, mechanobiology, x-ray/confocal microscopy, mechanical testing and biomaterial formulation. The RA will work in a dynamic environment and benefit from the existing collaborative research between partners.

The post is based at the School of Engineering, University of Portsmouth, with the appointment effective from 2nd January 2018, or as soon as possible after offer. For informal enquiries about the project please contact Dr Gianluca Tozzi at gianluca.tozzi@port.ac.uk or phone +44 (0)23 9284 2514.

Applications should be submitted via the online application system at https://port.engageats.co.uk by the closing date. It is the policy of the University to only accept applications submitted using the University’s online application system.

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, but applications are particularly encouraged from traditionally under-represented groups in science and engineering. The University of Portsmouth holds an Athena Swan bronze award and is committed to introduce organisational and cultural practices that promote gender equality and create a better working environment for men and women.

For detailed information about the vacancy, please select this link:ZZ004184 – Research Assistant.docx

PhD position with focus on muscle and tendon adaptation in youth athletes, Berlin, Germany

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The Berlin School of Movement Science (BSMS), graduate school of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, is offering a

PhD position with focus on muscle and tendon adaptation in youth athletes

for a period of 3 (4) years hosted at the Department of Training and Movement Sciences of the same university starting in January 2018.

Project description
The purpose of the research project focuses on the adaptation of muscle and tendon in youth athletes. In young, growing athletes, the development of muscle and tendon tissue is influenced both by maturation and mechanical loading. Recent evidence suggests that the interaction of these two driving stimuli could increase increased the risk of developing imbalances between the strength capacity of muscles during adolescence. However, to date no information is available on the effect of maturation and training in prepubertal children. Therefore, it is important to deepen our understanding of muscle and tendon adaptation during prepubertal maturation, not only with regard to the properties of the muscle-tendon unit as a determinant of sports performance, but also in respect of injury prevention.

The project aims to determine the development of muscle strength and architecture, and tendon mechanical properties of the plantar flexor and knee extensor muscle-tendon unit in prepubertal athletes and untrained children. Joint moments will be determined using dynamometry, inverse dynamics and electromyography, while muscle architecture and tendon elongation will be assessed using ultrasonography.

We are looking for a PhD candidate who is interested in muscle and tendon biomechanics and the development of the musculotendinous system.

Qualifications
– Candidates should hold an MSc or equivalent in Sports Science, Biomechanics, Engineering, Biology or Medical Sciences.
– A very good biomechanical background, together with direct experience in dynamometry and ultrasonography.
– Previous work human muscle architecture and tendon biomechanics in vivo will
constitute an important reason for preference.
– Strong experience in the use of programming languages such as R or MATLAB are desired.
– Very good knowledge of the English language in speaking and writing is required.

Eligibility
– With the beginning of the scholarship the Master or equivalent studies must be completed.
– The latest degree may not date back longer than 6 years.
– At the time of the nomination the candidate may not be in Germany for more than 15 months.
– During the scholarship period, staying abroad is limited to 9 months in total and no longer than 3 months per year.

The position is funded with a DAAD scholarship (Graduate School Scholarship Programme) and it includes:
– Monthly scholarship of 1000.00 €.
– Health, accident and liability insurance.
– Funding of a German language course (2, 4 or 6 months).

Application procedure
The application can only be submitted electronically. It should be written in English and must contain the following:
– Letter of motivation
– Detailed curriculum vitae
– Letter of recommendation by two university professors from the home university, issued during the last 2 years (see the DAAD form attached)
– Copies of certificates or copies of translated documents:
o Copy of the school leaving certificate qualifying for admission to higher education in your own country
o Copies of certificates of annual examinations taken at the home university (transcripts of records)
o Copies of certificates of any academic degrees or advanced qualifications showing grades and explain the home’s grading system

– Certificates of internships (when available)
– The master thesis (or equivalent) and any publications or manuscripts

Contact information for this position
Dr. Falk Mersmann (falk.mersmann@hu-berlin.de, +49 (0) 30 2093 46010)
We invite you to apply before the 31st October 2017. Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. Please send your application document via email to: falk.mersmann@hu-berlin.de

The Department of Training and Movement Sciences at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin provides basic and applied research in the areas of training and movement sciences as well as biomechanics. Our main research fields include adaptation mechanisms of mechanical and morphological properties of muscles and tendons, plasticity of movement control and interaction between the neuronal and musculoskeletal systems in order to increase human performance and improve life quality.

Corporate members of the ESB:

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