PhD position in spinal implant design - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The PhD position is at the Division of Applied Materials Science, Department of Engineering Sciences, Ångström Laboratory.

We are pleased to invite applications for a PhD position in the new four-year EU-funded Marie Sklodowska-Curie ITN programme “Training innovative future leaders in research and development of materials and implants for the spine” (NU-SPINE, nu-spine.eu, project ID 812 765). This network is led by Prof. Cecilia Persson at Uppsala University and consists of three European universities (Uppsala University, ETH Zürich and University of Leeds) as well as industrial (IHI Ionbond AG, CeramTec GmbH, Key Engineering Solutions, AMEDICA Corp and OssDsign AB) and clinical (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) collaborators.

Project description: NU-SPINE aims to deliver novel material compositions with a higher degree of biocompatibility as well as novel implant designs adapted to the local loading situation. Important deliverables for the network are also innovative methods for more accurate evaluation of the demanding tribological and corrosive conditions surrounding the implants. NU-SPINE will train talented researchers with the scientific and entrepreneurial mind required of the next generation of leaders in academia and industry connected to these medical devices. As a PhD student, you will benefit from a tailored, multidisciplinary, scientific training programme, and be exposed to different environments via planned placements, and contribute to and organise workshops.

This PhD project will focus on materials development and implant design for spinal fusion. Numerical models will be used to design and structurally optimize a bioactive, osteoinductive spinal fusion device based on a combination of ceramics and metals. 3D printing will be used to produce prototypes for initial mechanical evaluation of the developed implants in an ex vivo model, guided by standards on intervertebral devices. The project will be performed mainly at Uppsala University, and in collaboration with OssDsign AB. Main supervision will be undertaken by Prof. Cecilia Persson (UU), with co-supervision from Prof. Per Isaksson (Solid mechanics, UU) and Dr Kajsa Björklund (OssDsign AB). The position includes secondments at OssDsign AB, Sweden (PM10-12) and University of Leeds, UK (PM20-23).

Your main duties will include:

• Conducting world-class research focussed on materials development and implant design for spinal fusion and NU-SPINE activities;
• Developing initiative, creativity and judgement in applying appropriate approaches to research activities;
• Actively participate in all relevant activities organised by the network as advised by the Supervisor;
• Attending meetings as required to discuss the project. This will involve occasional EU-wide travel, beyond that associated with secondments;
• Ensuring good day-to-day progress of work, and maintaining good records;
• Writing up results for publication and attending suitable conferences for their dissemination;
• Working both independently and also as part of a larger team of researchers, including interacting with and providing assistance to other staff in the research group and the NU-SPINE network and engaging in knowledge-transfer activities where appropriate and feasible;
• Contributing to joint discussions within the wider research group and network;
• Maintaining your own continuing professional development.

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.

We are seeking a candidate with:

• An MSc or equivalent in biomedical engineering or similar - mechanical engineering or engineering physics with or without materials science could also be considered;
• A strong motivation and proven ability to work both independently and in a team;
• Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and work effectively under pressure;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills, in English;
• A strong commitment to your own continuous professional development.

The eligibility criteria for this specific project are as follows:

• The applicant must, at the date of recruitment, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. This is measured from the date when they obtained the undergraduate degree.
• The applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

The PhD position is typically for 42 – 48 months, extendable to a maximum of five years including departmental duties at a level of at most 20% (typically teaching). The Marie Curie programme offers attractive salary and working conditions. Benefits include mobility allowance, and a family allowance. The successful candidates will receive a salary in accordance with the Marie Curie regulations for early stage researchers. Exact salary will be confirmed upon appointment.

For further information, see http://www.teknat.uu.se and http://www.teknik.uu.se .

Rules governing Ph.D. candidates are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala university's rules and guidelines. 

Application: Applications should include a cover letter, including a brief description of research interests and relevant experience, a CV, copies of diplomas and certificates, master thesis (or a draft thereof) and other relevant documents. The candidates are encouraged to provide letter(s) of recommendation and contact information to reference persons. Candidates that are invited for interview will be informed by 7th January 2019, with interviews being held in the week beginning 14th January 2019. All applications should be submitted through the Uppsala University job portal.

Type of position: Full time position.

For further information about the position please contact

Cecilia Persson (cecilia.persson@angstrom.uu.se) eller Susan Peacock (susan.peacock@angstrom.uu.se).

Please submit your application by 21 December 2018, UFV-PA 2018/4225.

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.