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

Subject description- 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 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 improve the understanding of 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 experimental studies where the tendon is studied on several length scales, with mechanical modelling. 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 position will focus on developing and using small animal experimental models to study the effect of altered mechanical loading in intact and regenerating tendons. Analysis involves characterising the matrix formed, using various forms of microscopy and histological methods.

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.

Work duties, such as:

• Research within the subject area:
  • o Planning and perform small animal experiments involving animal surgery etc.
  • o Analyse the tissue formed using a variety of histological and microscopic techniques.
• Supervision of MSc degree projects and to assisting in supervision of doctoral students
• Assisting the group when seeking external research funding.
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed 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.
• Background in biology, or bioengineering or similar.
• Background in experimental research, with proficiency in working with small animal models.
• Experience with histological methods and/or microscopy, and/or mechanical testing.
• Experience with musculoskeletal tissues, or mechanobiological research.

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:

• Ability to independently drive the research project
• Writing capacity of scientific publications
• Ability to supervise younger researchers
• Experience with multidisciplinary projects.
• 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. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more: http://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/