Research Assistant position in Bioimaging/Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) at ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Fluid flow has been hypothesized to be one of the main drivers for mechanobiological processes, which are crucial for bone homeostasis. On this account, we recently proposed a cell-based framework for nanoscopic bone imaging and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In particular, we developed new techniques for 3D nanoscopic imaging of the lacuno-canalicular network (LCN), where the LCN encloses the network of bone cells called osteocytes, which form the mechanosensory organ of bone tissue. These new techniques, namely ptychographic computed tomography (CT) conducted at the cSAXS beamline of the Swiss Light Source (SLS) and serial focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) performed at the Electron Microscopy Center of the ETH Zurich (EMEZ) already provided data sets of the LCN within bone tissue of mice and men of different age. Based on these data sets, our goal is to investigate the influence of species and age on mechanotransduction via fluid dynamics within the LCN.

Therefore, the current project focuses on the two following aims:
1) Quantitative comparison of LCN morphology obtained from ptychographic CT and serial FIB/SEM.
2) CFD simulation based on 3D microstructural images of the LCN.

The Institute for Biomechanics at ETH Zurich is seeking to appoint a highly motivated Research Assistant candidate pursuing research in the area of CFD for one full year. The successful candidate will work within an international and interdisciplinary team at ETH Zurich. The applicant should have a recent master degree in Engineering or a related field. Good skills in both spoken and written English are mandatory to work in an international, young, and dynamic team. Knowledge in Bioimaging and especially in CFD is an advantage. The position is available upon October 1st 2012 or upon mutual agreement. Salaries are highly competitive and are in line with the guidelines of ETH Zurich.

A curriculum vitae, a list of two references and a transcript of all university classes attended (including grades) as well as a one-page statement of your background and research interest should be sent by email to:

Dr. Philipp Schneider
Institute for Biomechanics
ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Email: pschneider@ethz.ch
Web: http://www.biomech.ethz.ch/