Postdoctoral position in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on 3D-printable, biodegradable bone scaffold designs - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Full-time temporary position for two years starting as soon as possible or as or as agreed upon

BmS is a research group in the Division of Biomedical Engineering at theDepartment of Materials Science and Engineering at Uppsala University. The focus of the group is on development and characterization of new biomaterials for applications mainly in orthopaedics, with a specific focus on additive manufacturing (AM, or 3D-printing). There are currently approximately 20 people in the research group.

More information on the profile of the research group can be found at:

(http://www.materialvetenskap.uu.se/bms/).

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Project description
Degradable alloys (e.g., Mg- and Zn-based) are promising biomaterials for bone-healing implants due their ability to generate bone tissue while degrading within the human body. Porous scaffolds can further facilitate the bone-healing process by mimicking the structure of bone and promoting a better bond to the bone itself. With the help of additive manufacturing, such complex structures can be created. However, for degradable alloys, there is limited knowledge of how to manufacture these scaffolds using additive manufacturing. One of the challenges is the high reactivity of magnesium and zinc, which leads to evaporation in the chamber, affecting the overall printability of the material. Moreover, the complexity of porous scaffolds can result in excessive degradation rates, leading to reduced mechanical integrity and limited functionality for the structure. This project aims to design scaffolds as well as the AM processing of degradable such, with appropriate degradation and mechanical properties, and to investigate methods for improving the biological response of these structures through optimized structural design. This may include multimaterial designs.

Work duties
The work duties within this interdisciplinary research project include conducting high-quality research, in collaboration with other team members, from the design and manufacturing of the alloys and scaffolds, to characterization of the same, results analysis and finally publication of the work. The work involves, among other things, to design porous scaffolds for optimal bone ingrowth and regrowth as well as developing processing parameters for additive manufacturing of such scaffolds. The focus will be on the materials and structural design part of the project, and any biocompatibility testing will be done through collaborations.  The work also includes analyzing the results and, through scientific articles and presentations at international conferences to spread the new knowledge. The position may include some supervision of students in undergraduate and postgraduate education.

Qualification requirements
To qualify for an employment on a postdoctoral position, you must have a doctoral degree, or equivalent.  The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

For this position, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Engineering Physics or related fields is required.

We require very good written and oral skills in English as well as very good scientific writing skills.

We require the ability to work in a focused and structured manner within given time frames, both individually and in a team, and to be able to collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment with colleagues both within and outside the department.

When assessing applications, special emphasis will be placed on applicants' documented experience of publishing scientific work in high-quality journals and giving presentations at scientific meetings. 

Additional qualifications
Documented experience in additive manufacturing of metals is considered a very good merit, in particular using powder bed fusion methods. Documented experience in structural optimization is also a merit. Experience in obtaining external research grants is a very good merit.

Application procedure
The application shall include:

• Cover letter including a short description of yourself, your research interests and why you are suitable for the position (max 2 pages)
• CV (max 2 pages)
• List of publications
• Copies of 3 publications of particular relevance
• Copy of your PhD degree, grades and other merits of relevance. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Name and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address and phone no.).

The application shall be written in English.

During the application period, we will continuously read application documents and call for interviews.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement.  Scope of employment 100%. Starting date as soon as possible or as agreed upon,  Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position please contact: Dr Francesco D’Elia, Francesco.delia@angstrom.uu.se, or Prof. Cecilia Persson, cecilia.persson@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application no later than May 3, UFV-PA 2023/1497

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