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We have a vacancy for a bright, enthusiastic, self motivated PhD student to join the Mechanobiology group (www.mechanobiology.co.uk) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield. The research group has an extensive experience in the development of computer simulations to better understand the interaction between biomaterials, cell biology and mechanical stimuli.
Tissue engineering has open up new clinical perspectives by giving the possibility to replace any kind of tissues. However, a better understanding of the underlying biological processes is required to produce a functional scaffold. The development of computational models enables to provide predictions of the tissue response for a patient-specific application and to optimize the biomaterial design process. The aim of this research project is to develop finite element simulations of the different biological processes that occur during tissue engineering, i.e. cell attachment, cell migration, cell proliferation and cell differentiation. The models will account for the effect of scaffold morphometric properties and the mechanical loading directly transmitted onto the cells. The development of a multi-scale study will enable to predict the mechanotransduction processes at the cell level while reproducing physiological loading onto the scaffold.
The successful candidate should have or be expected to obtain a 1st class or a good 2.1 degree in mechanical engineering, bioengineering, physics, applied mathematics or a related discipline, and should be enthusiastic about fundamental research. Previous knowledge on finite element analysis and programming skills are essential.
This studentship funded by the European Research Council is available immediately. A tax-free stipend at £15,000 per annum is available for three years, plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Applicants from outside UK/EU will only be considered if they are ready to pay the difference between student fees at home rate and overseas rate themselves.
For an informal discussion on the project please email Prof. Damien Lacroix: D.Lacroix@sheffield.ac.uk.
To apply, please use our standard on-line PhD application form (http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/online) together with your cv and 2 references, and indicate on your form that you are replying to this advert.
Deadline: 30 April 2012
Tissue engineering has open up new clinical perspectives by giving the possibility to replace any kind of tissues. However, a better understanding of the underlying biological processes is required to produce a functional scaffold. The development of computational models enables to provide predictions of the tissue response for a patient-specific application and to optimize the biomaterial design process. The aim of this research project is to develop finite element simulations of the different biological processes that occur during tissue engineering, i.e. cell attachment, cell migration, cell proliferation and cell differentiation. The models will account for the effect of scaffold morphometric properties and the mechanical loading directly transmitted onto the cells. The development of a multi-scale study will enable to predict the mechanotransduction processes at the cell level while reproducing physiological loading onto the scaffold.
The successful candidate should have or be expected to obtain a 1st class or a good 2.1 degree in mechanical engineering, bioengineering, physics, applied mathematics or a related discipline, and should be enthusiastic about fundamental research. Previous knowledge on finite element analysis and programming skills are essential.
This studentship funded by the European Research Council is available immediately. A tax-free stipend at £15,000 per annum is available for three years, plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Applicants from outside UK/EU will only be considered if they are ready to pay the difference between student fees at home rate and overseas rate themselves.
For an informal discussion on the project please email Prof. Damien Lacroix: D.Lacroix@sheffield.ac.uk.
To apply, please use our standard on-line PhD application form (http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/online) together with your cv and 2 references, and indicate on your form that you are replying to this advert.
Deadline: 30 April 2012