Postdoctoral position in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on numerical modelling of ultrasound-based 3D printing for tissue engineering

Description of the workplace

The Acoustofluidics Group at the Department of Biomedical Engineering mainly focuses on the emerging field of combining ultrasonics and microfluidics for particle and fluid manipulation in micro- and nanoscale, and it is one of the world-leading groups in this field. The interdisciplinary research carried out in the group ranges from theoretical work in acoustics, fluid mechanics and multibody dynamics to the applications in biomedicine. The group consists of a diverse range of researchers, from senior professors to junior PhD students. 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: Nanobiotechnology and Lab-on-a-chip.

This employment is placed at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, and the project will be carried out within a consortium supported by the European Innovation Council. The appointed postdoctoral fellow is expected to join the regular meetings held by the members of the consortium, which spans groups from ETH Zürich, the University of Bern, the University of Barcelona, and the University of Münster.

Subject description

The postdoc position is based on a consortium project that aims at developing ultrasound-based 3D printer for tissue engineering. More specifically, your research will focus on the theoretical and numerical modelling of the 3D printing device and process. 

Work duties

The main duties involved in a postdoctoral position is to conduct research. 
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. 
More precisely: you will model the acoustic fields generated within the 3D printer and the acoustically induced motion of the particles including acoustic and hydrodynamic particle interactions. You will use your results on the particle dynamics within the printing chamber to optimise the chamber design and suggest control schemes.   

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Modelling the vibration of and within the printing chamber, including the transducers and the fluid structure interaction 
• Modelling the acoustic streaming inside the printing chamber
• Expand an existing multibody simulation to model the self-assembly inside the printing chamber 
• Optimise the printing chamber
• Contribute to the algorithms controlling the printing
• Contribute to the nozzle design
• Opportunities to supervise MSc degree projects 
• Assisting the group when seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a postdoctoral 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. 
Note that the position requires strong modelling skills, and a doctoral degree in a relevant field with a strong modelling background is required (e.g. theoretical physics, engineering mathematics, dynamics and control, mechanical, or electrical engineering).

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• You can independently drive research projects of high quality, and you have documented experience of writing scientific publications.
• 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

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 postdoctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research
• Teaching skills 

Other qualifications:

• Strong background in mechanics and numerical modelling using the finite element method
• Strong knowledge of multibody dynamics
• Strong knowledge of wave mechanics
• Strong knowledge of non-linear acoustics (radiation force, acoustic streaming, non-Newtonian fluids)
• Strong knowledge of standard software (Matlab, Comsol)
• Experience in numerical optimisation 
• Experience in control theory
• Scientific independence

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. Please use your personal letter to carefully describe how your profile matches the qualifications for the underlying position. 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!