Postdoctoral position in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on comptuational modeling of cortical bone fracture - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Biomechanics group is a 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 damage and repair mechanisms of musculoskeletal tissues. 

The group encompasses 10-12 scientists (PhD students, post-docs and researchers) and is located at the BMC (Biomedical Center) building in Lund. The expertise includes computational and experimental mechanics of biological tissues, where the numerical studies are based on the finite element method and advanced material modelling. 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: Division of Biomedical Engineering - Biomechanics 
Twitter channel: @Lund_BioMech. 

Subject description

Healthy bone has a unique ability to resist fracture due to its hierarchical composite structure, but the fracture resistance decreases dramatically with age and in patients with osteoporosis. Yet, damage mechanisms connected to aging are not well understood. This project focuses on understanding how bone tissue resists mechanical loading, how damage and cracks initiate and propagate, and how this is fundamentally altered with age and disease. By pinpointing specific changes (geometrical, structural, compositional etc.) that have a major effect on the fracture resistance of bone, it would be possible to guide development of new diagnostic tools in the clinic as well as new therapeutical treatments. The overall project uses a combined approach of fracture mechanical testing, high-resolution imaging techniques and computational models. 

The goal for the post-doc specifically is to develop phase field models to simulate crack propagation and fracture of cortical bone tissue. Special focus will be given to capture the interface mechanics known to govern damage initiation and growth at the microscale in healthy bone. Phase field models will be built based on high-resolution images and will be validated against experimental data. Altogether, this project will unravel the role of orientation, interface properties, porosity, and fracture energy, which are keys to understanding the degeneration of bone’s mechanical response during aging and osteoporosis.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a 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. 

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Research within the subject area, where you will be responsible for designing, planning and performing numerical studies using the phase field method for fracture.
• Close and active collaboration with colleagues working with experimental methods.
• Supervision of degree projects and assistance in supervising doctoral students.
• To support the group in seeking external research funding.
• 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. 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:

• You have very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• You have a PhD or equivalent research qualification in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics or similar.
• You should be able to independently drive your own high-quality research project, and have documented experience in writing scientific publications.
• You have a strong background in constitutive modelling and the finite element method.
• You have a strong background in fracture mechanics, with experience from damage modelling, preferably using the phase field method for fracture.

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:

• Experience from using (medical) images to derive computational modelling geometries
• Experience from bone research
• Experience in supervising younger researchers
• 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 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”).
Starting date as soon as possible, as agreed.

How to apply

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 look forward to receiving your application!