- Job Category: Scientific staff
- Job profile: University Project Assistant /PhD researcher
- Organisation: Graz University of Technology, Institute of Biomechanics
- Apply before: 15-07-2026
- Hours per week: 30 h/w
- Contract duration: 48 months
- Annual gross salary: € 39.649,40
Introduction
The Institute of Biomechanics at Graz University of Technology is seeking two highly motivated university project assistants to work under the supervision of Prof. Gerhard A. Holzapfel as part of the ERC Synergy Grant project MECHVIVO. The project is dedicated to the development of an imaging method for the non-invasive examination of tissue microstructure, aiming to improve the diagnosis and treatment of diastolic heart failure in clinical practice. At Graz University of Technology, the porcine and human myocardium (heart muscle) is analyzed mechanically and structurally for this purpose.
Job Description
The successful candidates will work on the experimental characterization of the passive and active mechanical properties of myocardial tissue and its microstructural analysis. To this end, an extension to an existing test setup for tissue activation will be designed and implemented. Subsequently, the candidates will strategically test different myocardial tissues and relate the obtained mechanical properties to the physiology and underlying microstructure. During the mechanical tests, a camera system will be used to track specimen deformation using Digital Image Correlation. Furthermore, multiphoton microscopy will be used to investigate the architecture of the myocardium (e.g., collagen, elastin, and cardiac muscle fibers) in health and under different pathological conditions. In particular, in situ tests will be conducted to investigate changes in the extracellular matrix under macroscopic loading of the myocardial samples. The obtained biomechanical and structural insights will be combined with state-of-the-art MRI imaging at the ETH Zurich and transcriptomics analysis at the university hospital to facilitate patient-specific modeling of the healthy and diseased heart.
As a PhD candidate, you will become an integral part of our dynamic, multi-disciplinary research team. You can contribute to teaching activities and will supervise BSc and MSc students. Further, you will be expected to present your PhD research at (inter-)national scientific conferences, publish in scientific journals, and complete a doctoral dissertation.
Job Requirements and Desired Qualifications
We are looking for a self-motivated, ambitious, and highly talented candidate who meets the following requirements:
- An MSc degree (or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Advanced Materials Science or related engineering/scientific fields.
- A strong affinity for experimental biomechanics, microstructural analysis, and continuum mechanics is a must.
- A structured and independent work style, and the ability to take initiative
- A creative mindset and a research-oriented attitude.
- Laboratory experience with biological tissues.
- Programming experience (Matlab, Python, etc.) is desired.
- Experience with digital image correlation or in the field of microscopy and prior knowledge of nonlinear optics are a plus.
- Excellent communication skills, fluent in spoken and written English.
- Desire to work in and with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
About us
Graz University of Technology is the longest-established university of technology in Austria. Here, successful teams of students, talented up-and-coming scientists, ambitious researchers, and a lively start-up scene enjoy an inspirational environment as well as access to top-quality equipment. And all this in one of the most innovative and livable regions in Europe. TU Graz offers an inspiring working environment with outstanding infrastructure and service-oriented university management.
In this video, we give you an insight into the working environment at TU Graz: HERE.
The Institute of Biomechanics conducts research in the fields of experimental biomechanics and soft tissue modeling and simulation, with a focus on cardiovascular mechanics. The institute offers a high-quality education and research, coupling continuum mechanics with state-of-the-art questions of biomedical engineering. The institute currently consists of 23 employees and 5 visiting scientists and thrives through collaborations with local hospitals, industry partners, and various research groups worldwide.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile, and would you like to become part of our team?
We look forward to your application to either of our PhD positions.
Apply here or/and here!
For further questions, please contact Prof. Gerhard Holzapfel (holzapfel@tugraz.at) or Clarissa Holzer-Stock (clarissa.holzer@tugraz.at).
Please note that we only accept applications submitted via our online application portal. Applications sent by e-mail or post will not be considered.
