Passionate about pioneering advancements in biomechanical engineering? Join us in shaping the future of healthcare technologies at Delft University of Technology's Department of Biomechanical Engineering! We are seeking a skilled PhD researcher to optimize 3D printed bone scaffolds, exploring the intricate connections between bone microarchitectures and fracture mechanisms under challenging conditions.

Job description

The Department of Biomechanical Engineering (BME) at Delft University of Technology (TUDelft) invites applications for a fully-funded PhD position. This exciting research project is at the forefront of understanding complex fracture in highly loaded long bones, such as femoral fractures, and the critical role of bone microarchitectures in these conditions. The project is particularly focused on bones under challenging conditions such as large defects or osteoporotic changes.

This position is part of the MSCA Doctoral Network GAP project (please see more information here: ) and aims to unravel the connection between bone microarchitectures, loading and bone cell responses at different length scales. Utilizing the state-of-the-art techniques, you will create 3D printed structures that mimic the complex microarchitecture of natural bone. This includes employing in situ microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) as well as computational modelling for simultaneous mechanical loading and scanning of specimens. It also includes conducting in vitro cell culture experiments to explore the dynamic cellular responses to bone-like structures.

Location and Secondment

Responsibilities:

• Developing and analysing 3D printed bone and bone-like scaffolds.
• Conducting advanced micro-CT analyses, confocal imaging and mechanical testing.
• Development and validation of (image-based) computational models to predict bone/ scaffold failure.
• Unravelling the role of bone microarchitecture in the fracture of healthy and diseased bones together with the underlying mechanisms.
• Propose and optimize novel scaffolds design for treatment of such defects.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and contributing to consortium meetings.
• Publishing and presenting research findings in scientific forums.

Requirements

We welcome applications for Doctoral Researcher candidates fulfilling the following criteria:

1. A 2nd level master's degree (120 ECTS + 180 ECTS in a bachelor degree) or a Single Cycle Degree (minimum 300 ECTS), or a comparable university degree (Second Cycle qualification) in biomechanical engineering, mechanical engineering, material science or related fields.
2. You should have strong background in biomechanics, material science, or bone biology.
3. You must have prior knowledge in continuum mechanics, and advanced finite element analyses.
4. You must have strong programming skills, notably in Python or MATLAB.
5. You are proficient in the English language (if not native speaker). English proficiency of short-listed applications shall be assessed during the selection interview.
6. Experience in 3D printing, micro-CT (image) analysis, and cell culturing is advantageous.
7. You are Full time available for the PhD programme at TU Delft.
8. You can be of any nationality but must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention (1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol), compulsory national service, and/ or short stays such as holidays are not considered.
9. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
10. Awareness of and adhere to the principles set out in the Commission Recommendation on the European Charter for Researchers.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

The candidate will primarily be based at TUDelft. The position also involves secondments of 3 to 6 months at the IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi (IOG) and Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) offering a rich exposure to diverse research environment. Furthermore, the candidate will play an important role in organizing consortium meetings held biannually at various partner locations.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

 will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

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Application procedure