Postdoctoral position in Biomedical Engineering (Imaging of tendon development and mechanobiology)

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 applied on direct problems in orthopaedics to develop better methods to understand and improve repair of musculoskeletal tissues. 

The group encompasses about 15 scientists (PhD students, post-docs, researchers and teachers) and is located at the BMC-building (biomedical center). 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 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 about the researcher group in Biomechanics - bme.lth.se 
The post-doc would be actively working in the group and with international collaborators. 

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. 

Tendons like most musculoskeletal tissues are mechanosensitive, meaning that they adapt to the local mechanical loading. We have earlier shown that the collagen fiber structure is affected by unloading of the tendon in a small animal model. However, small animal model findings are not always transferable to larger mammals or humans. 

The goal for the post-doc is to investigate how the tendon structure and mechanical function develops during life, and how this development is affected by lack of mechanical stimulation, using a large animal model. The technical goal includes to develop, perform and analyse data from high resolution experimental imaging of large animal tendon tissue, using mainly synchrotron phase contrast X-ray tomography, but also other imaging modalities and linking it to mechanical and compositional properties. Fundamental understanding of these relationships may benefit development of better rehabilitation strategies to promote tendon repair after rupture. 

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. 

The research duties will focus on animal models of development and mechanobiology of tendons, with specific focus on imaging. This includes developing, supporting, and analysing synchrotron-based experimental data, specifically tomography, to understand developmental tendon biomechanics and mechanobiology.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• You will be responsible for designing, planning, and performing experiments, including tomography and mechanical testing.  
• You will be responsible for designing, planning, and performing image analysis, dealing with large data sets.
• 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 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. 
• You have a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, in (bio)mechanical engineering, (medical) physics or similar. 
• You are able to drive the research project independently 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 musculoskeletal tissue biomechanics
• A strong background in using animal models to explore mechanobiology
• A strong background in imaging and image analysis.
• Experience in tomography and mechanical testing.
• 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. 

More about being a Lund University employee - Lund University website

Further information

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

We look forward to receiving your application!