************************************************** *******************
Open position for PhD candidate - Intervertebral disc mechanobiology
************************************************** *******************
Institution: Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona,
Spain
Research line: Biomechanics & Mechanobiology
INSTITUTION AND RESEARCH LINE
__________________________________________________ __________________________
_______
The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is a research institute
covering most bioengineering fields, from basic research to medical
applications.
The Biomechanics & Mechanobiology research line (www.biomechanics.es)
explores the effect of mechanical stimuli on biological response. Numerical
methods are used to model different mechanical interactions form organ to
cell level, and particular attention is paid to the functional load
transfers that naturally shape most of the connective tissues.
RESEARCH PROJECT
__________________________________________________ __________________________
_______
The proposed research project focuses on the development of a mechanistic
and evolutive lumbar spine intervertebral disc (IVD) model that includes
cell metabolism.
IVD degeneration is thought to be initiated by a loss of water. In the
lumbar spine, such dehydration is responsible for many changes in the
mechanical behaviour, which may accelerate the degenerative events.
Experimental evidences suggest the existence of causal interactions between
cell metabolism and altered disc mechanics. If understood, these
interactions could help optimizing disc degeneration treatments.
Thus, the mission of the candidate will be to develop a composition-based
IVD finite element model, where nutrient transport, cell metabolism and
cellular activity-related tissue maintenance will be simulated. The model
will be coupled to a three-dimensional model of the osteoligamentous lumbar
spine and validated against in vivo data.
PROFILE OF THE CANDIDATE AND CONTACT INFORMATION
__________________________________________________ __________________________
_______
The candidate is expected to have a Master degree in bioengineering,
mechanical or civil engineering, physics, or applied mathematics. Previous
knowledge in coding and computational mechanics is favourable. The candidate
should be motivated to work in a highly international environment, with
English as working language and Spanish recommended.
Interested persons should send their CV and a cover letter to Dr. Damien
Lacroix (dlacroix@ibec.pcb.ub.es) before 15 September 2010.
__________________________________________________ _________________
Jérôme NOAILLY, PhD
Biomechanics & Mechanobiology
Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia
C/ Baldiri Reixac, 4
08028 Barcelona
SPAIN
tel: +34 93 403 13 92
e-mail: jnoailly@ibec.pcb.ub.es
http://www.biomechanics.es
( )
| Before printing this e-mail think whether it is really necessary
__________________________________________________ _________________
Open position for PhD candidate - Intervertebral disc mechanobiology
************************************************** *******************
Institution: Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona,
Spain
Research line: Biomechanics & Mechanobiology
INSTITUTION AND RESEARCH LINE
__________________________________________________ __________________________
_______
The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) is a research institute
covering most bioengineering fields, from basic research to medical
applications.
The Biomechanics & Mechanobiology research line (www.biomechanics.es)
explores the effect of mechanical stimuli on biological response. Numerical
methods are used to model different mechanical interactions form organ to
cell level, and particular attention is paid to the functional load
transfers that naturally shape most of the connective tissues.
RESEARCH PROJECT
__________________________________________________ __________________________
_______
The proposed research project focuses on the development of a mechanistic
and evolutive lumbar spine intervertebral disc (IVD) model that includes
cell metabolism.
IVD degeneration is thought to be initiated by a loss of water. In the
lumbar spine, such dehydration is responsible for many changes in the
mechanical behaviour, which may accelerate the degenerative events.
Experimental evidences suggest the existence of causal interactions between
cell metabolism and altered disc mechanics. If understood, these
interactions could help optimizing disc degeneration treatments.
Thus, the mission of the candidate will be to develop a composition-based
IVD finite element model, where nutrient transport, cell metabolism and
cellular activity-related tissue maintenance will be simulated. The model
will be coupled to a three-dimensional model of the osteoligamentous lumbar
spine and validated against in vivo data.
PROFILE OF THE CANDIDATE AND CONTACT INFORMATION
__________________________________________________ __________________________
_______
The candidate is expected to have a Master degree in bioengineering,
mechanical or civil engineering, physics, or applied mathematics. Previous
knowledge in coding and computational mechanics is favourable. The candidate
should be motivated to work in a highly international environment, with
English as working language and Spanish recommended.
Interested persons should send their CV and a cover letter to Dr. Damien
Lacroix (dlacroix@ibec.pcb.ub.es) before 15 September 2010.
__________________________________________________ _________________
Jérôme NOAILLY, PhD
Biomechanics & Mechanobiology
Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia
C/ Baldiri Reixac, 4
08028 Barcelona
SPAIN
tel: +34 93 403 13 92
e-mail: jnoailly@ibec.pcb.ub.es
http://www.biomechanics.es
( )
| Before printing this e-mail think whether it is really necessary
__________________________________________________ _________________