Postdoctoral positions in Biomedical Engineering (Computational modelling of the Achilles tendon mechanics or mechanobiology) - 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, including related pathologies and repair of skeletal tissues. Experimental tissue characterisation methods, imaging and computational simulation techniques are applied on direct problems in orthopaedics to develop better methods to understand and improve repair of musculoskeletal tissues. 

The group consists of 10-12 scientists (PhD students, post-docs, researchers) and is located at the Biomedical Center (BMC) in Lund. The expertise includes computational and experimental mechanics of biological tissues, where the numerical studies are conducted with the finite element method using advanced material models. The group strives for an inclusive environment based on collaboration and trust, where development towards being 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 Biomechanics research group or through the Twitter channel @Lund_BioMech. 

The post-doc will be actively working in the group and with collaborators within the TENDON_MECHBIO project funded by a European Research Council Consolidator grant. 

Subject and project description

Tendons connect muscles to bones and enable energy-efficient locomotion. The Achilles tendon is the largest and the most injured tendon in the human body. Ruptures often occur during recreational sport activities but can also be a result of ageing. Mechanical loading is a prerequisite for tendon healing. Controversial and often unsuccessful treatments of tendon ruptures could be improved by elucidating how loading affects the mechanobiological aspects of tendon healing. 

This position is within a larger ERC-funded project with the scope to elucidate how mechanical loading affects tendon mechanics and tendon regeneration. There is a possibility of employing up to two postdoctoral researchers within the following research projects. 

1) To develop detailed structural and anatomical computational models of the Achilles tendon tissue, to understand how mechanical loading influences tendon function, structure, and composition. Computational modeling will be based on uniquely collected micro- and nanoscale experimental data with high level of anatomical details, fiber and fibril structure quantifications. The anatomically more detailed models will be key in the project to elucidate the mechanisms guiding the tendon organ and tissue level response to load. 

2) To investigate how mechanical loading influences ruptured healing tendon function, structure and composition. The project includes further developing and validating an existing adaptive mechanoregulatory model for tendon repair. The work will be based on ready collected experimental data. The developed computational scheme will be important for the project to elucidate the mechanobiological mechanisms at play during tendon repair.

Applicants can present preferences between project 1 or 2, or declare interest in both options.  

Work duties

The main duty of the postdoctoral 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. 

Detailed description of the work duties:

• You will be responsible for designing, planning, and performing numerical studies within one of the research projects mentioned above.  
• The projects are a close collaboration with national and 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 that 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 
• Education in (bio) mechanical engineering, (medical) physics or similar 
• You have the ability to independently drive the research project and write scientific publications.
• You have 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 importance will be given to 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 constitutive modelling and the finite element method
• Experience from using 3D images to derive computational modelling geometries
• Experience from tissue biomechanics, preferably musculoskeletal or other soft tissues, with similar material response as tendons
• Experience from 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”).

We intend to employ 1-2 postdoctoral researchers. 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.)  

We are looking forward to receiving your application!