Researcher in Biomedical Engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Researcher in Biomedical Engineering (Biomechanics)

Subject description

Understanding mechanobiological principles of tendon tissue

General description:
The research in the biomechanics group is focused on understanding the link between mechanics and biology in the musculoskeletal system, including related pathologies and repair of skeletal tissues. Experimental studies, tissue characterisation, imaging and computational simulation techniques are used. The research is applied on problems in orthopaedics to develop better methods to understand and improve repair of musculoskeletal tissues.

Background for project:
Tendons connect muscles with bone and enables effective locomotion of the body. Tendons adapt to its local mechanical environment and mechanical loading has therefore been shown positive during the repair phase of ruptured tendons. When a tendon rupture, collagen fibres break and the new tissue is an irregular scar tissue that breaks again if loaded normally. Suitable and controlled loading on the other hand re-organizes the tissue so the collagen becomes parallel again and help restore the tendons mechanical function.

Objectives:
The position is within a project with the goal to systematically study how different levels of mechanical loading/stimulation affects the tendons normal function, and their repair process. The research combines mechanical modelling with experimental studies where the tendon is studied on several length scales simultaneously. Numerical models that can describe the tendon’s constitutive behavior as a material will be developed together with adaptive mechanobiological models of tissue repair. The experiments will be carried out to study how loading affects the tendon composition, structure and mechanical function, by especially focus on the viscoelastic collagen. The goal is to identify important mechanisms to restore the tendon’s mechanical function early and effectively.  Focus will specifically be on identifying functional markers that seems to relate to successful repair without re-rupture. The results will contribute to new knowledge that is important to identify new treatments for tendon ruptures.

The position will focus on using small animal experimental models to create alterations in the mechanical mileu in intact and repairing tendons. Analysis involves characterising the matrix formed, using various forms of microscopy and histological methods.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a reserach posistion is to conduct research. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• The researcher is expected to take responsibility for planning and performing small animal experiments involving animal surgery and handling etc.
• The researcher is expected to plan and analyse the tissue formed both regarding collagen and matrix components, using a variety of histological and microscopic techniques.
• The researcher is expected to supervise MSc degree projects and to assist in supervision of doctoral students
• The researcher is expected to assist the group when seeking external research funding

Qualification requirements
Appointment as a researcher position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• The researcher should have a background in biology, or bioengineering or similar.
• The researcher is expected to have a proficiency and experience in performing small animal surgeries in experimental orthopaedics, or similar fields.
• Experience from mechanobiological small animal models of musculoskeletal tissues, especially tendons is meriting.
• The researcher is expected to have experience with histological methods and/or imaging, and/or mechanical testing.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a reseracher position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

The researcher should be able to independently drive his/her own research project, as well as writing scientific publications. The researcher should be able to supervise younger researchers. Experience with multidisciplinary projects is important. International networks and experience is considered positive.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
The position is fulltime, during 1 year.  The project is in collaboration with Linköping University and the researcher is expected to partly be able to work from Linköping.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English. LTH uses a special qualifications portfolio to report and document qualifications. Draw up the application in accordance with the following outline and attach it as three PDF files (in the recruitment system). Read more here:

http://www.lth.se/index.php?id=71223