Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Postdoc Position in Mathematical Simulation of Articular Joint Formation, Keele University, UK

The Institute of Science and Technology in Medicine (ISTM) at Keele University (www.keele.ac.uk/research/istm) is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the area of biomechanics and mechanobiology. The work forms part of the MyJoint project (www.myjoint.org). MyJoint is an EU-funded multi-disciplinary project combining ten partners and aims to grow biological replacement joints within the patients that will use them. You will work under the guidance of Dr. Jan Herman Kuiper, Prof. Alicia el Haj and Prof. James Richardson.

Your work will aim to further our understanding of the interaction between mechanical conditions and articular joint formation and you will collaborate with engineers, biologists and clinicians.

You will develop novel computer models to simulate the relation between skeletal cells, physical environment, geometry, and material properties in joint formation. You will use computer models to find the effects of variations in parameters describing cells, environment and geometry on joint formation and tissue quality. You will also assist in assessing mechanical quality of tissue from and around joints produced under experimental conditions. You will compare the findings of the computer model to experimental results, and adjust the model if required.

You will have a PhD degree, with a background in the physical, mathematical or engineering sciences. You should have experience in the execution of a researched project involving mathematical or computational simulation, ideally of biological processes. You should be familiar with the use of Finite Element simulation tools or alternative multi-physics tools to simulate biological processes. Experience in mechanical testing procedures of biological tissues would be an advantage.

ISTM is a 5* highly rated (5A or 5* over the last three RAEs), interdisciplinary Institute housing biological and physical scientists, clinicians and engineers. You will be based at our site at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry, a renowned Orthopaedic Hospital with several active clinical and research programs in orthopaedic cell therapy (www.oscell.enta.net).

Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr. Jan Herman Kuiper (j.h.kuiper[ at ]keele.ac.uk)

Full job packs are available from:

The Human Resources Department,
Keele University, Keele,
Staffordshire, ST5 5BG.

Fax: 01782 583471 or
e-mail vacancies[ at ]keele.ac.uk or
www.keele.ac.uk/depts/uso/hr/cwisvacs.htm

Please quote post reference: RE08/05INT

Closing date for applications: 25 February 2008