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Six Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher Positions (UK, IT, HU, FR, DE)

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Six Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher Positions

SPINNER (SPINe: Numerical and Experimental Repair strategies) is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Innovative Training Networks (ITN) European Industrial Doctorate (EID) aimed at improving treatments for spine disorders.

SPINNER is recruiting a group of six Bioengineering early stage researchers (ESRs) to be in a position to design the next generation of repair materials and techniques for spine surgery. The project brings together partners from the biomaterials, implantable devices, and computational modelling industries with orthopaedic clinicians and academic experts in cell, tissue and organ scale biomaterials and medical device testing. All projects will be fully grounded in practical industrial and clinical requirements, where the number of patients requiring complex spine surgery is rapidly expanding, and the biomedical engineering industry needs suitably trained, innovators to produce economic solutions to support healthy ageing for the people of Europe.

SPINNER is an academic/ clinical/ industrial partnership and the ESRs will be expected to interact with several partners during their three years of research. The partners are:

For more information, please visit www.spinner-eid.eu.
The ESRs will be recruited for 36 months and be enrolled onto a PhD programme at one of the academic partner institutions. They will expect to spend at least 18 months at a non-academic partner institution.

Early Stage Researcher (ESR) Projects

ESR1: Osteoinductive injectable/ mouldable bone graft substitute for spine repair

Start Date: 01-September-2018
Host institution: University of Sheffield, UK
This ESR will join Insigneo the institute for in silico medicine and will be affiliated with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
Industrial Secondment: Finceramica, Italy

Objectives: Development of multisubstituted hydroxyapatite (SrMgHA) to manufacture orthopaedic cements and putties for enhanced bone regeneration in spinal fusion.

Required Skills: This ESR should have or be close to obtaining an Undergraduate degree in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related discipline. Basic knowledge of biomaterials, regenerative medicine, processing of ceramic nanoparticles, chemical/physical characterisation of biomaterials, statistical methods and experience of cell culture is desirable. Chemical laboratory experience is required. The ESR should show highly collaborative attitude, excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Acquired skills: This ESR will specialise in hydroxyapatite based regenerative materials. The project will enable the ESR to develop research and technical skills on physico/chemical characterisation of biomaterials (for example, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), morphological evaluation by SEM, ICP spectrometry, enzymatic degradation test, mechanical testing), materials characterisation techniques (for example, mechanical testing and elemental analysis), basic knowledge on in vitro biological testing to assess the capability of the material to drive bone regeneration, and basic knowledge about organ-level biomechanical testing.

Employability: the profile of this ESR will make him/her employable at medical device companies active in the development and production of synthetic bone graft for bone regeneration in orthopaedic, dental or maxillofacial surgery.

Informal enquiries: Gwen Reilly (g.reilly@sheffield.ac.uk) or Elisa Figallo (efigallo@finceramica.it).

Applications for this position will also need to complete the University of Sheffield’s application procedure, which can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/y85xyj7r.

ESR2: Development of osteoinductive coatings for spinal implants (fusion cages)

Start Date: 01-September-2018
Host institution: University of Sheffield, UK
This ESR will join Insigneo the institute for in silico medicine and will be affiliated with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
Industrial Secondment: Finceramica, Italy

Objectives: To develop an osteoinductive coating for cages used in spinal fusion, through exploring the antibacterial properties of multisubstituted apatite.

Required Skills: This ESR should have or be close to obtaining an Undergraduate degree in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related discipline. Basic knowledge of ceramic biomaterials and processing, methodologies for chemical/physical characterisation of biomaterials, statistical methods and experience of cell culture is desirable. Chemical laboratory experience is required. The ESR should show highly collaborative attitude, excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Acquired skills: this ESR will specialise in hydroxyapatite based regenerative materials and devices for orthopaedic application. The ESR will have the opportunity to develop research and technical skills in biological (cell viability) and physico/chemical characterisation of biomaterials (for example, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), morphological evaluation by SEM, ICP spectrometry, enzymatic degradation test, mechanical testing), materials characterisation techniques (for example, mechanical testing and elemental analysis) and basic knowledge of in vitro biological testing. Training will include assessment of mechanical competence at different scales, also in relation to revision of joint replacement. The ESR will acquire project management, communication and analytical skills by working in close collaboration with different steps in product development (production, quality assurance/regulatory, marketing) as described by design control principles.

Employability: the profile of this ESR will make him/her employable at medical device companies developing or commercialising class III products for tissue regeneration particularly in the orthopaedic field.

Informal enquiries: Fred Claeyssens (f.claeyssens@sheffield.ac.uk) or Elisa Figallo (efigallo@finceramica.it).

Applications for this position will also need to complete the University of Sheffield’s application procedure, which can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/y85xyj7r.

ESR3: Integration of clinical experience and in vitro biomechanical testing to improve spinal augmentation

Start Date: 01-November-2018
Host institution: University of Bologna, Italy
This ESR will join the PhD program Health and Technology, an interdisciplinary collaboration bridging the medical and the engineering departments of the University of Bologna, and will be affiliated with the Department of Industrial Engineering.
Industrial Secondment: National Center for Spinal Disorders, Hungary

Objectives: To develop understanding of the failure mechanism of augmented spine segments, focusing both on the vertebrae subjected to vertebroplasty, and adjacent ones.

Required Skills: This ESR should have or be close to obtaining (by 31 July 2018) a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.  Only applicants with a University degree that would allow them to join a PhD program in Italy or in UK can apply, i.e. a University Degree of 3+1 or 3+2 years, or a similar combined degree consisting of a Bachelor followed by a Master corresponding to a total of 4 or more years of legal duration, or a single degree of 4 of more years can apply for admission. Knowledge of biomechanics, orthopaedics and mechanics of materials and structures is essential.  Additionally, experience in mechanical testing, biomaterials, and with clinical environments desirable.

Acquired skills: This ESR will specialise on the problems related to vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty and vertebral augmentation. During the first phase, the ESR will become familiar with the clinical environment, and learn the clinical problems related to vertebroplasty. This will include patients with osteoporotic fractures and metastatic lesions. During the second phase, the ESR will learn (in synergy with ESR3) how to develop dedicated biomechanical testing with a focus on vertebroplastic technique.

Employability: The expertise that this ESR will gain will make him/her employable in industries developing regenerative materials, and in test labs.

Informal enquiries: Luca Cristofolini (luca.cristofolini@unibo.it) or Áron Lazáry (aron.lazary@bhc.hu).

ESR4: Sagittal stability: movement analysis before and patient motion after spinal treatments

Start Date: 01-November-2018
Host institution: University of Bologna, Italy
This ESR will join the PhD program Health and Technology, an interdisciplinary collaboration bridging the medical and the engineering departments of the University of Bologna, and will be affiliated with the Department of Industrial Engineering.
Industrial Secondment: National Center for Spinal Disorders, Hungary
Objectives: To develop a comprehensive approach to spinal balance and more in general to spine biomechanics.

Required Skills: This ESR should have or be close to obtaining  (by 31 July 2018) a degree in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. Only applicants with a University degree that would allow them to join a PhD program in Italy or in UK can apply, i.e. a University Degree of 3+1 or 3+2 years, or a similar combined degree consisting of a Bachelor followed by a Master corresponding to a total of 4 or more years of legal duration, or a single degree of 4 of more years can apply for admission.  Knowledge of biomechanics, orthopaedics and imaging is essential.  Additionally, experience in mechanical testing, numerical modelling, and with clinical environments desirable. anical testing, numerical modelling, and with clinical environments desirable.

Acquired skills: This ESR will gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues related to spinal balance. He/she will get familiar with in vivo methods to assess patients before and after spinal corrections (including imaging and movement analysis), modelling methods to investigate sagittal balance, and in vitro biomechanical tests (in synergy with ESR 3). In the last phase, he/she will familiarise with mechanical testing and experimental stress analysis.

Employability: The profile of this ESR will make him employable by companies manufacturing spine correction devices, but also in clinical centres for movement analysis.

Informal enquiries: Luca Cristofolini (luca.cristofolini@unibo.it) or Áron Lazáry (aron.lazary@bhc.hu).

ESR5: Modelling spinal surgical procedures

Start Date: 01-September-2018
Host Institution: Ansys, France
Academic Institution: University of Sheffield, UK
Objectives: Development of a personalised finite element model of the lumbar spine to simulate spinal repair systems.

Required Skills: This ESR should have or be close to obtaining an Undergraduate degree in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline. Knowledge of finite element modelling and scripting is essential. Knowledge of medical images and image processing is desirable.

Acquired skills: This ESR will specialise in in silico modelling of the spine. The project will give the ESR the opportunity to acquire high skills in computational modelling, in particular in the modelling of the many different tissues that compose the spine. The ESR will acquire knowledge of the multi-scale anatomy and biomechanics of the spine, and the different orthopaedic interventions available (interspinous implant concepts). In addition, the ESR will get a very complete experience in in vitro testing, and integration of experimental and numerical methods.

Employability: This program will enable the trainee to be employable in any orthopaedic company that requires a good understanding of the biomechanics and the effect of medical devices on the body. In addition, the extensive experience in computational modelling will enable the trainee to work in companies requiring expertise in finite element modelling.

Informal enquiries: Michel Rochette (michel.rochette@ansys.com) or Enrico Dall’Ara (e.dallara@sheffield.ac.uk).

ESR6: Statistical shape modelling and reduced order modelling techniques for patient-specific models

Start Date: 01-September-2018
Host Institution: ADAGOS, France
Academic Institution: University of Sheffield, UK

Objectives: The goal is to design a procedure that creates a patient specific in silico model of the spine. This model shall evolve and adapt depending on the real time action of the clinician during the clinical procedure. At each surgical step, the in silico model will test several scenarios and propose to the clinician the best placement of implants. Each possible scenario of implants configuration and order of their placement can be modelled by finite elements model. When the operation is oriented on an individual patient and not on average spinal column, the approach based on resolution of a complete model becomes too computationally expensive, because multiple configurations have to be tested in order to find the optimal one. As a consequence, this approach cannot be efficiently introduced into medical practice. Recently, the AI solutions have proven to be of great interest for medical applications. The main goal of the future ESR will be the introduction of the reduced order model based on machine learning techniques. Both the real medical data and the results of the finite elements analysis will be used for training of this model.

Required Skills: This ESR should have or be close to obtaining a minimum undergraduate Honours degree (UK 2:1 or better) or MSc (Merit or Distinction) in Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Signal Processing, or a related discipline. Knowledge of modelling and simulation is essential. Knowledge of deep learning, artificial intelligent and image processing is desirable.

Acquired skills: The ESR will obtain very strong fundamentals on the deep learning techniques and their applications in biomedical studies, GPU computing.

Employability: The ESR will receive a strong background in deep learning applied to biomechanics and therefore companies requiring modelling expertise in the orthopaedic sector or in the biomedical engineering field, or any other engineering field will be interested in such profile.

Informal enquiries: Kateryna Bashtova (kateryna.bashtova@adagos.com) or Lingzhong Guo (l.guo@sheffield.ac.uk).

Eligibility Criteria

The following eligibility criteria apply for these positions:

  • Mobility: To be eligible for a position, you must not have resided in the same country as the host institution for more than 12 months over the three years leading up to the start date of the position, excluding holidays and (refugee status) asylum application.
  • Early Stage Researcher: An Early Stage Researcher (ESR) shall at the time of recruitment by the host organisation, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree.

For general informal enquires about the SPINNER project and the six positions please contact: Gwen Reilly (g.reilly@sheffield.ac.uk) or Luca Cristofolini (luca.cristofolini@unibo.it).

Language Requirements

ESR1, ESR2, ESR5 and ESR6 will need to fulfil the Universities of Sheffield’s English language requirements for PhD registration, which are International English Language Test System (IELTS) 6.5 Overall, with a minimum of 6 in each category. The only exception to this is where your previous degree was in a native English speaking country, no more than five years ago.

For more information please see https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/info/englang.

ESR3 and ESR4 do not have an Italian language requirement, the working language of the laboratory is English. Reasonable English is required, which will be assessed at interview.

Benefits

The MSCA programme offers highly competitive and attractive salary and working conditions. The successful candidates will receive a salary in accordance with the MSCA regulations for early stage researchers. Exact salary will be confirmed upon appointment [Living Allowance = 3,700 euro/year (correction factor to be applied per country) + Monthly mobility allowance = 600 to 850 euro depending on the family situation]. In addition to their individual scientific projects, all ESRs will benefit from further continuing education, which includes internships and secondments, a variety of training modules as well as transferable skills courses and active participation in workshops and conferences. The approximate gross salary stated above is subject to employers statutory deductions and the amount varies according to the living costs of the host country.

PhD fees will be covered by the project grant.

Overseas (non-EU) applicants

Overseas applicants are welcome, please indicate if you require the host institution to sponsor your work visa.

Application

Please complete the application form, and upload a one-page application letter and a three-page curriculum vitae as PDF files, where requested within the form. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, 15th May 2018.

Applications for ESR1 and ESR2 will also have to complete the University of Sheffield’s application process, which can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/y85xyj7r.

Please note it is only necessary to apply for ONE single ESR position, only one application per person will be considered during the shortlisting process. If you are interested in a second position, please state this in the form and in your application letter.

PhD position scaffold characterisation, Miguel Hernandez University, Elche (Alicante) SPAIN

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University: Bioengineering Institute. Miguel Hernandez University, Elche (Alicante) SPAIN
Requirements for candidates:
a) Be in possession of a University Degree of Bachelor, Engineer, Architect, University Graduate with at least 300 ECTS credits or Master’s Degree, or equivalent in your country, by a non-Spanish institution, in the scientific field that corresponds to the project of research to which your contract will be linked, and having completed those studies after January 1, 2014.
b) Knowledge of Spanish or English, at the conversation level, suitable
for the development of the research work. (B1 English and/or Spanish certificate, depending on nationality)
Research project: Synthesis, characterization and biocompatibility of scaffolds made with third generation ceramic materials
Salary Monthly remuneration of 1,479.28€; and the 25.02% social security
fee, 370.12€ (12 payments). An additional provision of 1,600€ is included, destined to travel expenses and establishment in Elche-Alicante-Spain of the person hired.
Duration: The predoctoral contract will be formalized for one year; renewable up to 3 (Contract start date will be July 1, 2018).
More information: Piedad De Aza (piedad@umh.es) subject: Santiago Grisolia.

Call for Council Nominations 2018. Deadline 10th May

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During the next General Assembly that will be held during our upcoming 8th World Congress of Biomechanics in Dublin, Ireland, we shall have to elect a number of new members to the Council.

Stephen Ferguson completed his two full terms and thus must step down. Hanna Isaksson makes the decision to leave the council for the remaining two years. And finally, Sara Checa, Harry van Lenthe and Markus Heller completed their first term, and intend to stand for reelection.

Hence, five Council seats in total are up for election; the Council thus invites any regular member in good standing to candidate for a seat on the Council of our Society. As our Society considers gender equality as an important aspect in the life of our community, we would particularly encourage women to candidate for these positions. Being an ESB council member is a great opportunity, both socially and professionally, which vastly pays back the effort that such serious commitment requires.

Those who are interested should send their full length CV, complete the application form and attach a small picture, all in electronic format to the Secretary General, secretary.general@esbiomech.org,  by 10th May 2018. Candidates will be posted on the Society web site so that all members can consult them; therefore the information on the application form will be made available to all voting members. Voting will be by an on-line electronic process open prior to the GA. We will send all candidates information about the opening of the ballot at the end of June. The ballot will close during the congress in Dublin, so please make every effort to attend the congress. Candidates with the most number of votes will be presented by the President directly at the forthcoming General Assembly, where the vote will be ratified on July 10th, 2018.

The Council of the European Society of Biomechanics

Postdoctoral researcher position McGill University

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Posting POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
Position Title: Post-Doctoral Researcher
Hiring Unit: School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Name of Immediate Supervisor: Nicole Li-Jessen
Location of Work: 8/F, 2001 McGill College Avenue, Montreal, Canada
Work Schedule: 35 hours/ week
Working Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (work hours negotiable)
Planned Start Date & End Date:

(if applicable)

 September 2018 (possibility of three years)
Salary Range:

(minimum as per collective agreement)

 CAD $42,000 – $47,000 depending on experience and qualifications
Posting Period:

(start and end date of posting)

 Now
PRIMARY DUTIES
We are seeking a highly motivated junior-level postdoctoral researcher to join the Voice Research Laboratory at McGill University in Canada. This appointment is expected to begin in September 2018 (start date negotiable). The Voice Research Laboratory at McGill focuses on advancing personalized medicine in laryngology through the development of numerical simulations, wearable devices, non-invasive diagnostics and tissue engineering products. This is a unionized position   at McGill University.

The successful applicant will work on highly interdisciplinary research projects in computational biology and translational research. The primary duty of this position is to further develop existing agent-based models for vocal fold biomaterial design and tissue reconstruction. Additional training on wet lab skills, advance microscopy and tissue mechanics are available if the applicant is interested in.
 QUALIFICATIONS

A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in computational biology, biomedical engineering, or related quantitative scientific discipline is required by the time the appointment begins.

The applicant should have expertise and experience in multiscale computational modeling and analysis of biological systems. Skills in numerical simulations, e.g., development of agent-based models using C/C++ and/ or Matlab/Mathematica, experience in sensitivity analysis, model calibration and  verification, as well as implementation of mathematical descriptions of physical biological processes are required. Applicants with advanced computational training as well as knowledge of cellular biology and tissue biomechanics are preferred.

Proven track record in peer-reviewed publications in related fields is expected. Qualified candidates should be highly self-motivated and possess the ability to work independently, as well as in a multidisciplinary collaborative environment. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and oral and written technical and scientific English communication skills are required.

The applicant will work closely with the team under direct supervision of Dr. Nicole Li-Jessen and with

our mechanical engineering and clinical collaborators at McGill University and other institutions in Canada and the United States. The applicant will have the opportunity to work on advanced, challenging research projects, primarily through development of predictive multiscale models in the field of vocal scarring and tissue engineering. If interested, the applicant can also lead or participate in relevant projects available in the lab.

Candidates are encouraged to apply by May 31, 2018. Applications will be reviewed until the position is

filled. Please send the application to Dr. Nicole Li-Jessen nicole.li@mcgill.ca.

  1. Cover letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Research statement (1-page)
  4. Three references with contact information
  5. Publications if applicable

PhD position in Marseille, France: Ultrasound stimulation of bone regeneration

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Supervisor: Cécile Baron
contact: cecile.baron@univ-amu.fr
Institut des Sciences du Mouvement UMR 7287 CNRS – AMU Web site : http://www.ism.univmed.fr/baron

Co-Supervisor: Carine Guivier-Curien
contact : carine.guivier@univ-amu.fr
Institut de Recherche sur les Phénomènes Hors Equilibre UMR 7342 CNRS – AMU Web site: https://www.irphe.fr/~guivier

Bone is a living material capable of regenerating to adapt itself to the mechanical stresses of its environment through

the process of bone (re)modelling. Unfortunately, despite its amazing healing capacity, 5 to 10% of fractures show

delayed or non-union fractures.

Who doesn’t know anyone who has suffered a bone fracture? The causes of a bone fracture can be very different in nature: trauma, stress (fatigue fracture), idiopathic or congenital bone diseases and disorders, bone metastases, therapeutic treatments such as prostheses implant, bone lengthening or tumor resection. Although the field of bone regeneration has made great advances in recent decades, coupling personalized diagnosis and optimal treatment of bone fracture remains a challenge due to the large number of variables to be taken into account. In-silico models can help to better understand this complexity and thus improve the understanding of bone regeneration processes.

Ultrasound in medical applications is best known for diagnostic devices such as B-mode imaging. The advantages of ultrasound imaging compared to conventional medical imaging modalities such as X-ray or MRI are numerous: non-invasive, non-destructive, non-irradiating, non-ionizing, low-cost and portable devices that can be used at the bedside. These characteristics take on a particular resonance in the case of pediatric care. But ultrasound can also be a therapeutic vector.

Ultrasound stimulation of bone regeneration (USBR), initially controversial, is now recognized by the scientific and medical communities. The first clinical observation of the effect of ultrasound on bone healing was reported in the 1950s (Corradi and Cozzolino, 1953). Since the 1980s, USBR has contributed to a number of scientific publications: cell culture (Fung 2014; Puts 2016), animal model (Duarte 1983, Pilla 1990, Azuma 2001), clinical study (Malizos 2006), which has aroused controversy and today has a consensus in its favour. In 1994, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of ultrasound stimulation in medical and paramedical fracture treatment protocols, and a device based on this principle is sold by Bioventus (Exogen®). However, the underlying multiphysical processes remain poorly understood (Padilla 2014).

In parallel with studies that focus on understanding biological processes in response to USBR (from cell to organ), there are many works on bone mechanotransduction. Mechanotransduction is the translation of a mechanical stimulus into a biological response. The mechanotransduction of bone associated with bone repair is complex, multi- scale and multi-physics. The impossibility of conducting in-vivo experiments reinforces the need to develop

theoretical and numerical models such as the one described in this project.

The project proposes to create a bridge between these two communities, that of mechanics and that of biologists and

clinicians by developing a finite element (FE) numerical model under Comsol Multiphysics simulating the ultrasound stimulation of a human bone in a configuration close to the in-vivo configuration. Bone is a multi- component, multi-scale tissue and interaction with ultrasound requires a “tissue to cell” model.

The thesis work is divided into 2 issues:

  1. – Morphometric and physical characterization of double cortical porosity – The bone is considered here as a medium with 2 porosity levels: vascular (Ø~100 µm) and lacuno-canalicular (Ø~100nm – 10 µm). One of the key parameters of Biot modeling is the permeability of the poroelastic medium. To date, the experimental measurement of the permeability of the lacuno-canalicular network (LCN) is inaccessible. Therefore, LCN permeability is estimated by theoretical or experimental approaches coupled with numerical/analytical models and ranges from 10- 17 to 10-25 m2 (Cardoso 2013).

Recent advances in X-ray imaging provide a better estimate of LCN morphometry in 3D giving access to a realistic estimate of the flow. Thanks to these investigation ways, the aim is to assess LCN permeability of the cortical bone which will feed the digital model.

  1. – Estimation of the mechanical effects induced by ultrasound (US) on bone cells – This part of the study concerns 2 scales and several physics using an FE model (Comsol Multiphysics). Ultrasound stimulation is generated at the bone tissue level considered as a poroelastic medium and the study target is the biological response pilot bone cell, at the microscopic scale.

A better understanding of the US stimulation mechanisms on bone remodeling makes it possible to envisage various applications: aid in the treatment of fractures, optimization of callotasis treatment (bone elongation), treatment of bone metastases, aid in peri-prosthetic healing, etc.

References

Azuma Y. et al. 2001, Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 16 : 671–680.

Cardoso, L. et al., 2013. Journal of Biomechanics, Special Issue: Biofluid Mechanics, 46: 253–65. Corradi, C., Cozzolino, A., 1953. Archivio di Ortopedia 66 (1), 77–98.

Duarte, L. R., 1983. Archives of Orthopaedic and Traumatic Surgery 101: 153–59. Fung, C-H et al. 2014. Ultrasonics 54: 1358–65.

Malizos, K. et al. 2006.  Injury 37 (1, Supplement): S56–62. Padilla, F. et al., 2014.  Ultrasonics 54 (5): 1125–45.

Pilla, A.A. et al. 1990.  Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 4 : 246–253.

Puts, R., et al. 2016. IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control 63 (1): 91–100.

Candidate Profil

The candidate will have a solid background in fluid and solid mechanics and numerical modelling skills. Knowledge in biomechanics and/or acoustics will be a bonus. The proposed topic is an open and exciting one that requires tenacity and initiative.

Applications

Applications will be sent by e-mail to Cécile Baron (cecile.baron@univ-amu.fr) and Carine Guivier-Curien (carine.guivier@univ-amu.fr) and will include M2 transcripts, a CV, a letter of motivation and any letters of recommendation.

This thesis is proposed in the framework of the inter-ED AMU call for projects (https://college-doctoral.univ-amu.fr/fr/appel- a-projet-inter-ed). The results of the awarding of the 6 doctoral contracts will be notified at the beginning of June following the

hearings of the 12 pre-selected projects.

Canada Research Chair (Tier I), Mechanisms of Concussion, University of Calgary

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The Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary invites applications for a tenured Professor appointment as a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Mechanisms of Concussion.  Further information about the Canada Research Chairs Program can be found on the Government of Canada’s CRC website, including eligibility criteria.  The appointment date for the successful candidate is anticipated to be between January and July 2019.

The full job posting can be found here.

Postdoctoral position Bio-inspired 3D printing @ TU WIEN, Austria

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POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN BIO-INSPIRED 3D PRINTING, VIENNA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (TU WIEN)

3D printing has become a technology which has pervaded many application fields, having enabled the production of tiny structures with a hitherto unparalleled precision. One major drawback, however, seems to be left: mechanical integrity. Namely, the successively downlaid layers may entail inherent weaknesses. How to overcome this limitation? The present project funded by the Austrian Academy of Sciences and jointly realized by the University of Vienna and Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) wishes to venture into this unknown territory; by targeting the mechanical secrets of the highly mechanically competent 3D printing systems employed by the large animal class of polychaetae or bristle worms. This class is still be discovered from a purely biological or genetical viewpoint, but in cooperation with world-class Vienna-based biologists, it is now the time for interdisciplinarily inclined engineering mechanicians with expertise in mechanical modeling of multiscale biological systems, to start, from a clear theoretical basis, a very first systematic experimental protocol which aims at understanding the chitin-made chaetae, or bristles, which are miracles in terms of geometrical and functional  diversity.

In this context, we announce a post-doc position for an excellent engineering mechanician (or closely related engineering scientists) who not only strives for new discoveries, but also shares the vision for combining and merging largely separated fields of research.

The post-doc position may start on June 1, 2018 for a duration of two years. The gross salary is € 3,711.10 per month.

Interested candidates should send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three references to Prof. Christian Hellmich, Christian.Hellmich@tuwien.ac.at.

3rd VPH Summer School, June 18-22, 2018, Barcelona, Spain: Data integration, model verification and validation

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The 3rd VPH Summer School will be held in Barcelona, Spain, on June 18-22, 2018. It stands for a unique opportunity to meet 16 world-class international researchers who will deliver keynote lectures during the morning sessions. Attendees will also be able to handle synchrotron images, perform human body motion captures, run finite element simulations or create agent-based models during the afternoon hands-on sessions.

Program and registration: https://www.upf.edu/web/bcnvph_school

 

More information

The VPH Summer School series is co-organized by the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (https://www.upf.edu/web/bcn-medtech) and by the Virtual Physiological Human Institute (VPHi – http://www.vph-institute.org/). It aims to provide junior engineers and medical doctors with a complete overview of state-of-the-art VPH research, following a complete pipeline from basic science and clinical needs, to model application.

This 3rd edition focusses on data integration, model verification and validation and 16 international keynote speakers will share their research experience related with the following topics:

  • June 18th: Basic Science, clinical understanding, and need for in silico modelling: Biological and clinical problemsthat require collecting, handling and interpreting large amounts of data
    à June 19th: Data acquisition, processing, and quantification for modelling: Quality, heterogeneity, collection, accessibility, and treatment of data
    à June 20th: Organ, cell and molecular models: Integration of data for creation and parametrization of models at different scales and across the scales
  • June 21st: Implementation, validation and coupling of models: Sensitivity analyses, stochastic simulations, model verification, and direct and indirect validation
  • June 22nd: Application: Understanding simulation outcomes, technological transfer, decision and therapy support: Patient-specific modelling, Interpretable machine learning, metamodeling, success and failure stories

1st VPH Summer School (2016): Modelling and Simulations from Pathophysiology to Applications, Barcelona, May 30th-June 3rd 2016

2nd VPH Summer School (2017): Flow phenomena in Biomedicine, Barcelona, May 22nd-May26th 2017

Program and registration: https://www.upf.edu/web/bcnvph_school

Postdoctoral position at the Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics, ETH Zurich

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Postdoctoral Position in Time-lapsed Imaging and Multiscale Modeling of Human Bone Fracture Healing

The aim of the research is to perform time-lapsed high-resolution CT imaging and multiscale modeling of distal radius bone fractures in patients and to investigate the in vivo healing process employing image processing and analysis. Bone fractures are very common and in 5-10% of the cases do not heal or are delayed. Nevertheless, factors influencing the healing outcome are not yet well understood. The specific aims of this 2-year project will therefore be (1) to perform high-resolution CT imaging in fracture patients and develop image analysis and registration methods to determine in vivo bone resorption and formation sites during fracture healing at the human distal radius, (2) to assess local bone remodeling and comparing the results with clinical biomarker measurements including whole bone strength through multiscale modeling approaches, and (3) to evaluate how bone remodeling during fracture healing affects whole bone strength in healthy, aged and osteoporotic humans.

The position will be based at the Inselspital Bern and at ETH Zurich. Furthermore, this project is embedded in a larger effort funded by the National Science Foundations of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria through a DACH consortium grant consisting of Ulm University (D), the Medical University Innsbruck (A), and the Inselspital Bern and ETH Zurich (CH). The overall goal of the consortium is to investigate local bone remodeling and mechanoregulation of bone fracture healing in healthy, aged, and osteoporotic humans.

The successful candidate holds or will soon receive a doctoral degree in Biomedical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, and has preferentially a background in imaging and image processing. It is essential that the candidate is willing and motivated to work at the interface between engineering and clinical research. Additionally, excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) are required and command of the German language is required for the clinical interactions.

We look forward to receiving your online application includinga 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 (no applications).

Application:

https://apply.refline.ch/845721/6048/index.html?cid=1&lang=en

PhD position Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics, ETH Zurich

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PhD Position in Time-lapsed Imaging and Multiscale Modeling of Human Bone Fracture Healing

The aim of the research is to perform time-lapsed high-resolution CT imaging and multiscale modeling of distal radius bone fractures in patients and to investigate the in vivo healing process employing image processing and analysis. Bone fractures are very common and in 5-10% of the cases do not heal or are delayed. Nevertheless, factors influencing the healing outcome are not yet well understood. The specific aims of this PhD project will therefore be (1) to develop image analysis and registration methods to determine in vivo bone resorption and formation sites during fracture healing at the human distal radius, (2) to assess local bone remodeling and comparing the results with clinical biomarker measurements including whole bone strength through multiscale modeling approaches, and (3) to evaluate how bone remodeling during fracture healing affects whole bone strength in healthy, aged and osteoporotic humans.

The position will be based at the Inselspital Bern and at ETH Zurich, where the candidate will be enrolled in the Doctorate Program. Furthermore, this PhD project is embedded in a larger effort funded by the National Science Foundations of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria through a DACH consortium grant consisting of Ulm University (D), the Medical University Innsbruck (A), and the Inselspital Bern and ETH Zurich (CH). The overall goal of the consortium is to investigate local bone remodeling and mechanoregulation of bone fracture healing in healthy, aged, and osteoporotic humans.

The successful candidate holds or will soon receive a master’s degree in Biomedical, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, and has preferentially a background in imaging and image processing. It is essential that the candidate is willing and motivated to work at the interface between engineering and clinical research. Additionally, excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) are required. Knowledge of German is advantageous for the clinical interactions but not absolutely required.

We look forward to receiving your online application includinga 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 (no applications).

Application

https://apply.refline.ch/845721/5964/index.html?cid=1&lang=en

Corporate members of the ESB:

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