Postdoctoral position in Biomedical Engineering with focus on synchrotron imaging of soft knee tissues - 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 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 encompass about 10-12 scientists (PhD students, post-docs, researchers) and is located at the BMC-building. The expertise includes computational and experimental mechanics of biological tissues, where a large part of the experimental work takes place at large scale facilities, using imaging, scattering and spectroscopy-based techniques. 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. 

You would be actively working within the group and with international collaborators primarily from Aalborg University and University of Eastern Finland, within the MathKOA project funded by NovoNordisk Foundation. 

Subject and project description

Soft knee joint tissues connect or transmit forces during movement in the body.  Their specialized mechanical functions are due to their tailored microstructures and composition, based on a collagen network, small amounts of proteoglycans, and an extensive amount of water.  Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease where the tissues degenerate, which affects their composition, microstructure and mechanical performance.  The position is within an larger project that strives to understand the development of OA, in order to develop tools for better prediction of the onset and progression of osteoarthritis in the knee joint tissues. 

The goal for the post-doc specifically is to develop, perform and primarily analyze data from high resolution experimental imaging of soft tissues, acquired mainly using synchrotron phase contrast X-ray tomography, but also other imaging modalities. The goal includes characterizing meniscus and cartilage microstructure and its relation to loading, based on in situ loading experiments during imaging. 

Work duties

The main duty of the post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

The research duties will focus on developing, supporting, and analysing experimental imaging methods for soft tissue, primarily synchrotron phase contrast X-ray tomography, to characterize soft knee tissue (meniscus and cartilage) microstructure using in situ mechanical loading.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• You will be responsible for designing, planning, and performing experiments, including 3D tomographic imaging and mechanical testing.  
• You will be responsible for designing, planning, and performing image analysis, including image correlation, specifically dealing with large amount of data. 
• The project is a close collaboration with international partners and you are expected to actively interact as a team member.
• You are expected to supervise MSc degree projects and assist in supervision of doctoral students.
• You are expected to support the group in seeking external research funding.
• You are expected 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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English. 
• A PhD or equivalent research qualification in (bio)mechanical engineering, (medical)physics, synchrotron physics or similar. 
• To independently drive research projects of high quality, as well as have documented experience of writing scientific publications.
• Experience from supervising BSc, MSc theses or other kind of student work.

Assessment criteria 

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. 

Other qualifications

• A strong background in 3D imaging and image analysis. 
• Experience from synchrotron facilities, particularly with tomography.
• Experience from image correlation, preferably digital volume correlation. 
• Experience from tissue biomechanics, preferably mechanical testing of soft tissues.
• Experience with multidisciplinary environments and collaborative research projects.
• International networks and experience. 

Consideration will also be given to 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.

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. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of two 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”).

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English. Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!