Doctoral student in Biomedical Engineering (biomechanics) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace  

The biomechanics group is part of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The interdisciplinary group currently includes 12 scientists. The research is focused on understanding the link between mechanics and biology in the musculoskeletal system, including related pathologies and repair of skeletal tissues. Experimental tissue characterisation methods, imaging and computational simulation techniques are used. The research is applied on direct problems in orthopaedics to develop better methods to understand and improve repair of musculoskeletal tissues. The group strives for an inclusive environment, largely based on collaboration and trust, where development towards an independent researcher is largely encouraged and supported.

The research is connected to the LTH profile area Engineering Health. More information can be found on the website https://bme.lth.se/research-pages/biomechanics/biomechanics or through the Twitter channel @Lund_BioMech. 

Subject description

Biomechanical analysis of hip pathologies

Pathological conditions of the hip during growth lead to a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis in adult age. Early diagnosis of abnormal hip development is therefore crucial to improve quality of life and reduce the societal cost of osteoarthritis. Diagnosis should be based not only on the anatomy itself but also on the hip functionality from a biomechanical perspective. 

The purpose of this project is to reduce the severity of hip-related diseases during growth and adult age, by introducing a novel method for the diagnosis of hip abnormal development during growth. This can be achieved by reconstructing 3D models of the hip from 2D clinical x-ray images using a statistical shape and appearance model (SSAM). The 3D models of the hip will include pelvis, femur, and the articular cartilage, thus allowing for a novel, multi-factorial analysis of the biomechanics of the hip joint. Hip anatomy will be analysed together with the mechanical response of both cartilage and bone during daily activities, and all these aspects will be linked to the risk of developing OA. 

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• You will be mainly conducting research activities within the project described above. The research includes designing, planning, and conducting numerical studies, as well as programming to develop the algorithms.
• You are expected to assist in supervision of MSc degree projects. 
• You are expected to travel to disseminate the research findings at, for example, scientific conferences or to visit project collaborators.

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• ·has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Biomedical Engineering if the applicant has: 

• at least 45 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject (see the full syllabus at https://www.phd.lth.se/fileadmin/phd/files/allm_studieplaner/Biomedicinsk_teknik_en.pdf).

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Background in biomedical/mechanical engineering, medical physics, or other relevant fields.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily based on academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g., professional experience.
    

Other assessment criteria:

• Experience with programming and image analysis is important, preferably applied in biomedical engineering.
• Experience with finite element modelling is considered positive.
• Knowledge in (bio)mechanics is considered positive.
• Knowledge of machine learning is considered positive.
• Pedagogical skills/experience in supervision/teaching are considered positive.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). You are also asked to answer the seletion questions. 

Welcome to apply!