Uppsala University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

We are pleased to invite applications for a PhD position within AddLife, which is a newly funded VINNOVA Competence Centre that gathers more than 20 partners in academia, industry and the public sector to support competence development in additive manufacturing for the life sciences. The centre is led by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. It is funded by academia, industry and VINNOVA in equal parts, with a total budget of approx. 100 MSEK and will run for 5 years in a first instance, between 2020-2024, and engage experts within academia and industry with a passion for 3D-printing with the ultimate goal of developing new technologies to improve people’s lives.

Project description: Additive manufacturing has enabled patient-specific implants to be produced in an affordable way. However, most implants are still non-degradable, thus one of the main aims of this project is to develop a 3D-printed material that can degrade in the body while being replaced by the patient’s own tissue. Having completely resorbable medical devices addresses several of the remaining problems with today’s implants such as need for implant removal, differences in mechanical properties and infection risks.

The successful candidate will be part of a research team developing material combinations suitable for additive manufacturing, with a focus on bone replacement. The candidate will be expected to develop potential material combinations based on the scientific literature. A general understanding of different materials is important as well as the ability to interpret and apply information from scientific publications. Material characterization and evaluation of the materials will involve a wide range of analytical techniques requiring a good ability for coordination and team work.

Work Duties: The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The PhD candidate is expected to:

  • conduct research focused on the development of novel, 3D-printable materials for biomedical applications
  • developing initiative, creativity and judgement in applying appropriate approaches to research activities
  • ensure good day-to-day progress of work in development and analysis, and maintaining good records
  • actively participate in all relevant research activities organized by the network as advised by the Supervisors
  • writing up results for publication and attending suitable conferences for their dissemination, attend meetings as required to discuss the project which could involve occasional international travel

These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.

The research studies will be carried out within the AddLife Competence Center and in collaboration between the company OssDsign and Uppsala University. OssDsign is a Swedish medtech company dedicated to creating regenerative implants for improved healing of bone defects.

Qualification required:

-  A BSc in chemical engineering, materials science/engineering, biomedical engineering or similar, preferably with a strong focus on materials.

-  An MSc or equivalent in chemical engineering, materials science/engineering, biomedical engineering or similar, preferably with a strong focus on materials.

-  Ability to work both independently and also as part of a larger team of researchers, including interaction with the research group and the AddLife network and engaging in knowledge-transfer activities where appropriate and feasible

-  Self-motivation and understanding your best way of working, i.e. good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure.

-  Good written and verbal communication skills in English

-  Good presentation and communication skills

-  A commitment to your own continuous professional development

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she:

-  has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or

-  has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or

-  has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

Instructions for Application: Applications should include

  • cover letter, including a brief description of experience relevant to the position and motivation (max. 2 pages)
  • CV with list of publications (if any)
  • master thesis (or a draft thereof), copies of diplomas, certificates (including a list of courses and grades) and other relevant documents should be included
  • contact information to at least two reference persons. Letter(s) of recommendation are encouraged

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.

Starting date:  2020-09-01 or as otherwise agreed

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Prof. Cecilia Persson (cecilia.persson@angstrom.uu.se)

Please submit your application by 2020-07-17, UFV-PA 2020/2153.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2020-09-01
Salary Fixed salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Uppsala
County Uppsala län
Country Sweden
Reference number UFV-PA 2020/2153
Union representative
  • ST/TCO, tco@fackorg.uu.se
  • Seko Universitetsklubben, seko@uadm.uu.se
  • Saco-rådet, saco@uadm.uu.se
Published 15.Jun.2020
Last application date 02.Aug.2020 11:59 PM CEST

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