Post-doctoral position in Biomedical Engineering with partial placement at the MAX IV Laboratory - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Biomechanics research 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. Experimental tissue characterisation methods, imaging and computational simulation techniques are used. The research aims to develop better methods to understand and improve repair of musculoskeletal tissues with clinical implications in orthopaedics. The group encompasses 10-12 scientists (PhD students, post-docs, researchers) and is located at the Biomedical Center-building in Lund. The expertise includes computational and experimental mechanics of biological tissues, where much of the experimental work takes place at synchrotron facilities. The group strives for an inclusive environment, based on collaboration and trust, where development towards an independent researcher is encouraged and supported. More information can be found on the website: Biomechanics

MAX IV is a national large-scale research laboratory hosted by Lund University. It provides Swedish and international scientists with state-of-the-art instrumentation for research in areas such as engineering, physics, structural biology, chemistry and nanotechnology, conducting ground-breaking experiments in materials and life sciences using the brilliant X-ray light. NanoMAX is currently the only hard x-ray nanoprobe beamline at MAX IV, designed for imaging and scattering experiments that can utilize a focused coherent beam to achieve ultimate resolution, such as e.g., ptychography and coherent diffraction imaging, or where the nanofocused beam provides high spatial resolution for scanning diffraction and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) experiments. The new ‘imaging endstation’ moreover allows 3D nano-imaging with XRF, making it a suitable place for elemental investigation of mineralized tissues at (sub-)cellular resolution.

Subject and project description

Soft knee joint tissues connect or transmit forces during movement in the body.  Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease where the tissues degenerate, which affects their composition, microstructure and mechanical performance. The position is within a 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. This position will focus on the role of the subchondral bone and the soft/mineralized tissue interface. 

The beamline goal for the post-doc specifically is dedicated to X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), with the main aim to develop calibration strategies for 3D XRF measurements.  Self-absorption is a recurrent problem in 3D XRF so many beamline users would benefit from the development of self-absorption correction schemes. This development will be carried out for the study of the mineralized tissue with the scientific goals directly linked to the research questions addressed above, with a focus on understanding the interface between soft and mineralized tissues and the progression of mineralization during development of OA. Specific emphasis is on elucidating the role of different trace elements and links to inflammation. 

This employment is at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, but with half of the time spent at the MAX IV laboratory, specifically the NanoMAX beamline.

Work duties / Tasks

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. In this specific position it means to conduct research and explore and establish 3D XRF for life science users at NanoMAX.
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. 

Detailed description of the work duties:

• You will be responsible for developing a calibration & data analysis pipeline for 3D XRF data at NanoMAX, dedicated to life science users. 
• You will be responsible for driving the research project connected to mineralization in subchondral bone using XRF. 
• If you are interested, you may also combine XRF imaging techniques with other methods available at the beamlines (e.g. wide angle X-ray scattering, nano-diffraction, ptychography and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy). 
• You are expected to assist with user support for relevant experiments, including experiment preparations and guiding in data analysis.  
• You are expected to be active in workshops, lectures and outreach efforts towards the life science community. 
• There will also be opportunities to supervise MSc degree projects and to assist the group when seeking external research funding.

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. 
• You have a PhD or equivalent research qualification in physics, applied mathematics, (bio)engineering or similar. 
• You can independently drive research projects of high quality, and you have documented experience of writing scientific publications.
• You have experience from supervising BSc, MSc theses or other kind of student work. 
• You have demonstrated ability to work in teams and interact with a diverse group of scientists and technical staff in a dynamic environment.

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 

Other additional qualifications:

• Experience in synchrotron-related techniques, where XRF imaging holds special merit
• Experience in X-ray data analysis
• Experience from the life-science field with biological tissue characterization
• Scientific computer programming skills, preferably in Python, matlab or C++, and experience with large scale data processing
• Experience with collaborative software development for scientific applications
• Experience in providing user support or other kind of supervision or teaching
• International networks and experience

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.

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”).

First day of employment will be as soon as possible, as agreed, but no later than 2024-03-01.

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!