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

Understanding mechanobiological principles of tendon tissue through imaging

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. 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.  More specifically, the proposed project aims to understand how different levels of in vivo loading affect structure, mechanical properties, and regeneration performance of healing Achilles tendons at the micron-level. The results will contribute to knowledge that is important to identify new treatments for tendon ruptures.

The position will focus on developing and using experimental imaging methods for soft tissue, primarily synchrotron phase contrast X-ray tomography, to characterize the tendon microstructure and its relation to loading, but also scanning electron microscopy to visualize collagen structure.

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.

• The post-doc is expected to take responsibility for designing, planning and performing experiments, including 3D tomographic imaging, mechanical testing and Scanning Electron Microscopy
• The post-doc is expected to design image analysis approaches, specifically dealing with large amount of data from 3D imaging.
• 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.

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• The post-doc should have a background in (bio)engineering, material science, physics or similar.
• The post-doc is expected to have a strong background in 3D imaging and data analysis, preferably with experience from synchrotron X-ray tomography.
• The post-doc is expected to have a strong background in microscopy, preferably with Scanning Electron Microscopy.
• The post-doc is expected to have experience from tissue biomechanics, preferably musculoskeletal soft tissues.
• Experience with mechanical testing of soft materials, preferably in combination with in situ imaging is considered meriting.
• 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 “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

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/english/work/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/