Post-doctoral position in Biomedical Engineering (Biomechanics) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Understanding damage mechanisms in bone tissue

Osteoporosis is defined as low bone mass and results in a markedly increased risk of skeletal fractures. The number of osteoporosis related bone fractures continuously increases. Development of new drugs to reduce bone loss or increase bone mass is promising. However, it requires that the individuals at high risk of fracture can be accurately identified. Current osteoporosis diagnostics is largely based on measurements of bone mineral density (BMD), however BMD is only a moderate predictor of fracture risk. Novel methods that account for all characteristics of the bone and their influence on the bone’s resistance to fracture are needed. In this project, the problem is approached from a basic research perspective focusing on the characteristics of bone tissue at the micro scale.

The aim of the project is to study damage mechanisms in bone tissue at the micro scale in order to identify potential factors that can be linked to fracture risk at the organ scale. Experimental methods will be used in combination with finite element analysis (FEA) and results at the microscale will be compared to previous studies of whole femurs at the organ scale.

The first part of the project will focus on designing and performing experiments on compact bone tissue, including high resolution imaging and mechanical testing, followed by data analysis using e.g. digital image correlation methods. The aim is to understand what local deformations and strains in the tissue that lead to failure and how these can be linked to the tissue microstructure. A numerical model for simulating damage is available, where the extended finite element method (XFEM) is used to model crack propagation in bone at the micro and meso scales, and experimental data can be used to validate the XFEM model in different directions in 2D.

The last part of the project will focus on method development of numerical damage models in 3D. The available modeling framework will be used as starting point and the task is to evaluate the potential of alternative damage modelling strategies in 3D.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. 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 post-doc is expected to take responsibility for designing, planning and performing experiments (3D tomographic imaging and mechanical testing), and for analyzing data using e.g. digital image correlation
• The post-doc is expected to develop and validate numerical damage models to simulate crack propagation in bone tissue.
• The post-doc is expected to supervise MSc degree projects and to assist in supervision of doctoral students
• The post-doc is expected to assist the group when seeking external research funding
• The post-doc is expected to collaborate with industry and/or society, and to handle administration connected to the duties above.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• The post-doc should have a background in (bio) engineering, imaging or similar.
• The post-doc is expected to have a strong background in bone biomechanics and numerical techniques, such as the finite element method
• The post-doc is expected to have a strong background in fracture mechanics
• The post-doc is expected to have experience from mechanical testing and image analysis, such as digital image correlation
• The post-doc is expected to have experience from supervising BSc or MSc students

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 post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

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

Additional assessment criteria:

The post-doc should be able to independently drive his/her own research project, as well as writing scientific publications. The post-doc 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

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”.

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:

https://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/