The INSERM U1059 Sainbiose laboratory is looking for a PhD student in the framework of a new French National Research Agency (ANR) project “Insole Optimization for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients” (coll. CHU Saint-Etienne, INRIA Alpes).

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common chronic inflammatory joint disease, with a prevalence of about 0.5%. RA is a peripheral polyarthritis that affects the hands and feet: foot function is compromised, which is accompanied by changes in plantar pressures and gait disorders that have a strong impact on daily activities. Foot pain and disability can be reduced with customized foot orthotics and therapeutic footwear. The mechanisms involved in this treatment lack methodological evaluation. In particular, the design of the insoles and their relationship to internal effects such as joint pressure and soft tissue deformities have not been studied due to the difficult nature of such studies in a clinical environment.
From a medical point of view, the INORA project aims to understand, through patient-specific numerical biomechanical models, the mechanisms of action of shoes and orthopedic insoles in order to propose a well-founded design methodology. From a more fundamental point of view, these models will allow the discovery of the mechanical determinants of pain relief, which will promote the long-term well-being of patients.

The thesis project will focus on the mechanical finite element modeling of a moving foot, and then the optimization of the medical device (sole, shoe) in order to minimize the stresses in the critical pain areas. We are looking for a (bio) mechanical engineer with good numerical skills, interested in health applications and able to integrate in a multi-disciplinary research team.

More info:

DESIGN OF A BIOMECHANICALLY OPTIMIZED SCAFFOLD FOR MANDIBULAR RECONSTRUCTION

The Julius Wolff Institute is within the university structure of the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. As a research institute, we run applications and basic research in the fields of orthopedics and trauma surgery. Our main research field is the regeneration and biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system.
Background
Mandibular reconstruction after tumor resection is a challenging procedure usually performed using an autologous vascularized bone graft fixated with reconstruction plates (Figure 1). However, the non-physiological biomechanical environment induced at the injured site and donor site morbidity can negatively impact the healing outcome and patient quality of life. Tissue engineering allows exploring alternative solutions to traditional bone grafts such as scaffolds, i.e. structures able to support the formation of new functional tissues. However, if scaffolds can biomechanically support the bone healing process in mandibular reconstruction remains to be investigated.
Your Responsibilities
In this context, the Julius Wolff Institute is looking for a highly motivated individual for an internship or Master thesis. You will develop finite element models of reconstructed mandibles and design a scaffold to investigate its biomechanical impact on the healing outcome. The student will also simulate several biting tasks, design implant fixation and study their effect on the biomechanical environment within the mandibular defect. The project is part of a close collaboration with clinical partners.

More information:

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. Materials properties such as elasticity, topography, hydrophobicity, and porosity have all been shown to influence cell fate, and the introduction of high-throughput combinatorial approaches is expediting research. However, in order to improve the design of synthetic biomaterials, it is crucial to understand the physiological cell-biomaterial interactions and how these influence the tissue remodeling process. This research project aims to use in silico models to simulate physiological and fibrotic cell-ECM interactions, including dynamic tissue remodeling through ECM deposition and alignment, to improve our fundamental understanding thereof and use the obtained knowledge to design improved synthetic matrices.  

Project description:

• Computational modeling of tissue remodeling to inform the design of synthetic matrices
• Multiscale modeling: coupling ABM to FEM to investigate the role of dynamic tissue compositions and alignment
• Parameter optimization and sensitivity analysis
• Analysis and integration of various in vitro/in vivo data for model calibration

More information:

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/323433/phd-position-merln-computational-modeling-of-fibrotic-scarring/

EPSRC DTP PhD studentship

Duration: 4 years of funding

Project description:

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, affects 9% for individuals over 65 years, and it is the leading cause of thromboembolic events, such as stroke and vascular dementia. 90% of thrombi responsible for thromboembolic events during AF originate in the left atrial appendage (LAA), a protrusion of the left atrium (LA).

The project aims at analyzing different morphologies of the LA+LAA district with computational and experimental methods to perform a systematic analysis of the sensitivity of each geometrical parameter (e.g. number/dimension of lobes and trabeculae, orifice shape/dimension) influencing the fluid-dynamics, and therefore thrombus formation.

The objectives are: 1) Creating a generalised parametric Computer Aided Design (CAD) model of the LA+LAA district. 2) Developing Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) models, imposing physiological and pathological (i.e. AF) conditions, investigating the relations between LA+LAA shape and heamodynamics with the risk of thrombus formation. 3) Manufacturing physical models with optically transparent compliant polymers mimicking LA/LAA tissue distensibility, to perform experimental tests using dyes in a specifically adapted hydro-mechanical pulse duplicator system (ViVitro Systems Inc.) to validate the computational model. The final result will be a practical classification tool supporting clinicians in the stratification of patients at risk of thrombosis, easy to immediately translate into practice.

This project is highly interdisciplinary, involving engineering experimental and computational skills, in constant contact with cardiologists and clinical morphologists, exposing the PhD student to a multidisciplinary engineering approach to tackle a very timely clinical problem. The student will take advantage of a well set-up network of collaborations among different UCL Departments (Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Cardiovascular Science and Institute of Healthcare Engineering) and Clinical Institutions (The Barts Health NHS Trust – the largest Trust in the UK – and UCLH). Applicants should ideally have experience in: • FE/CFD/FSI modelling • Experimental testing • Matlab/Python/C++ programming • Machine learning

Link with info

https://ucl-epsrc-dtp.github.io/2023-24-project-catalogue/projects/2228bd1126.html

Link to apply

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/epsrc-doctoral-training/prospective-students/apply-ucl-epsrc-dtp-studentship#funding

The PhD position is embedded within the SNSF Sinergia project SLIHI4BONE (Nr. 213520, project start 01.04.2023) focusing on a newly-proposed mechanism explaining the formation of bone in soft tissue, also called heterotopic ossification (doi:10.1016/j.mattod.2018.10.036). According to this mechanism, tissue mineralization may provoke a sustained local ionic homeostatic imbalance (SLIHI), and this local decrease in extracellular calcium may modulate inflammation to trigger bone formation. The general project aim is to assess the validity of this mechanism and to use it for healing large bone defects.

For the advanced in vivo imaging work packages within SLIHI4BONE, we are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to join the Institute for Biomechanics at ETH Zurich. The successful candidate will closely interact with the Sinergia collaboration partners at RMS Foundation and ARI Davos. The PhD candidate will be enrolled in the PhD program of ETH Zurich. Tasks and activities will include:
• Development of advanced in vivo imaging protocols for HO and impaired bone healing using time-lapsed micro-computed tomography and multiphoton imaging
• Extension of internal Python-based computational framework for 4D image analysis and morphometric quantification
• Imaging and computational support for in vivo experiments

Further information about the Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics can be found on our website www.bone.ethz.ch. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Ralph Müller at ram@ethz.ch (no applications).

I am looking for motivated students to join my research group and work towards their PhD in the area of computational cardiovascular biomechanics. Interested candidates are encouraged to email ankush.aggarwal@glasgow.ac.uk to discuss further. More details of the PhD position are provided below.

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, which can be categorized into model development (at organ and cellular scales) and method development (based on imaging and using data science approaches). A few examples of specific projects are:

1) Predicting aneurysm development from ultrasound images using growth and remodeling simulations
2) Modeling of endothelial cells based on in-vitro experiments
3) Uncertainty quantification of biomechanical properties based on combined ex-vivo and in-vivo dataset
4) Gaussian process modeling for cardiovascular tissue mechanics
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 a minimum 2.1 or equivalent final grade. 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 2023, 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) School of Engineering EPSRC/School Scholarship Application via online portal: https://www.gla.ac.uk/ScholarshipApp/]gla.ac.uk/ScholarshipApp/ To complete the scholarship application, students will need a supporting statement from the proposed supervisor. Any queries about application procedure can be directed to eng-jws@glasgow.ac.uk

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.

Worldwide the increase in the geriatric population with musculoskeletal problems and the increase in the incidence of sports injuries and traffic accidents are contributing to the growth of knee, hip, or spine surgeries. Current surgical treatments, generally placing implants, significantly improve the quality of life of patients. However, patients who have had surgery at a young age are very likely to need revision surgery due to implant failure, with the complications that this entails due to the poor condition of the tissue around the implant. To meet the challenging demands of orthopedic implants, complex porous structures that improve the biomimicry between the implant and the surrounding bone tissue are gaining special interest thanks to the development of Additive Manufacturing (AM).

Within this context, the Mechanics of Materials and Advanced Manufacturing research group in TECNUN- Engineering Faculty of University of Navarra (San Sebastian, Spain) has recently been awarded a research project to optimize the design of hip implants through additively manufactured porous structures. The successful PhD candidate’s activities include the design, manufacturing and in-vitro validation of such structures, with special focus on exploring the possibilities of metal additive manufacturing for biomedical applications.

We are currently accepting applications from enthusiastic and highly talented candidates who meet the following requirements:

–             A MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or similar.

–             Experience in additive manufacturing and/or computational biomechanics is appreciated.

–             A research-oriented attitude.

–             Fluent in spoken and written English. Knowledge of Spanish will be appreciated.

Outstanding candidates are invited to submit a CV and a Motivation Letter to Dr Naiara Rodriguez-Florez (nrodriguezf@tecnun.es).

Pseudoarthrosis is a common complication of spondylodesis and occurs in 5-35% of all cases. Besides biological factors, mechanics play a key role in the success of treatment and must be ensured by appropriate fixations. Validated patient-specific computer simulations could help avoiding mechanics-related issues in spondylodesis and thus reducing pseudarthrosis rates.

Within this context, the Spine Biomechanics group of the Balgrist University Hospital (Zurich, Switzerland) and the Biomedical Development Program of the AO Research Institute Davos (Davos, Switzerland) are looking for a highly motivated individual holding a master’s degree in engineering to work as a PhD student at the two hosts in a shared setting and to be enrolled in the PhD program of ETH Zurich. The successful candidate’s activities will be focused on the development and validation of an analysis framework combining biomechanical testing, medical image processing and computer simulations.

The position is available for a duration of 4 years. For further details and application please visit:

https://careers.aofoundation.org/job/Davos-Platz/860647301/

For more information, please contact Dr. Peter Varga (peter.varga@aofoundation.org). Note that no applications will be accepted via email.

Healthy cartilage functions in an environment with low oxygen levels (normoxia) and changes in oxygen sensing have been associated with osteoarthritis. This project aims to clarify hypoxia signaling in cartilage with varying mechanical loading and oxygen pressures. Ultimately our research aims to identify potential therapeutic molecules that can prevent cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis.

The position is supervised by Dr. Mikko Finnilä, who has recently formed his own research group that studies musculoskeletal biomaterials. His group is focused on imaging and biomechanics of tissues and biomaterials to identify more effective materials for musculoskeletal repair. Group has active collaboration internationally as well as with local industry. The most important collaborators for this project are Prof. Marcy Zenobi-Wong (ETH Zurich) and Prof. Peppi Karppinen (Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine).

More information:

https://rekry.saima.fi/certiahome/open_job_view.html?did=5600&lang=en&id=000014020&jc=1

Institutes: Queensland University of Technology (QUT, Australia), University of Paris Est (UPEC, France), and University of Saskatchewan (USASK, Canada).

Supervisors: Prof. Peter Pivonka (QUT, peter.pivonka@qut.edu.au) and Prof. Vittorio Sansalone (MSME UPEC, vittorio.sansalone@u-pec.fr)

Résumé: We seek to better understand how cortical bone is affected by osteoporosis and drug treatments. Longitudinal experimental data in a rabbit model of osteoporosis will be collected by Prof David Cooper (USASK) at the Canadian Synchrotron. The successful PhD candidate will use machine learning algorithms to assess morphological changes in cortical bone and to track bone remodeling units over time using co-registration techniques based on provided synchrotron imaging data. Additionally, the candidate will develop a computational model to predict changes in cortical porosity and effects on bone matrix properties due to osteoporosis and other treatment regimens developing state-of-the-art bone adaptation algorithms.

Closing date: Applications will be accepted until the scholarship is awarded, but applications will be assessed early October, 2022.

More information (salary, essential and desirable criteria, etc.) here: