Tweet
PhD Position, ETH Zurich, Institute for Biomechanics: Experimental and Computational Bone Mechanics.
There is ample evidence showing that the majority of hip fractures are associated with a short, low-trauma fall, and while falls in older adults are common, only 1-5% of the falls result in a fracture. In addition to the dire economic impact of hip fractures, there are also serious social and personal consequences for patients and their families. In the most severe cases, the patient will suffer fatality within 12 months of the trauma. Elevated hip fracture risk is generally addressed either pharmacologically or through lifestyle interventions. While both of these have been moderately successful, they can be expensive and difficult to implement and also carry their own risks. For this reason, clinicians must carefully screen before implementing these solutions, and how this screening is informed is critical to its success. Presently, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) is the clinical ‘gold standard’ used to diagnose those with osteoporosis. Epidemiologic evidence supports that low BMD is associated with increased population-based risk of fracture, however, aBMD and other clinical assessment tools are not sensitive enough to identify individuals likely to suffer a fracture.
Applicants are invited for a PhD studentship at the Institute for Biomechanics of the ETH Zurich. In this project, we aim to address the limitations of current methods and develop novel, subject-specific diagnosis, by increasing our understanding of what pre-disposes a hip to fracture. The proposed research will combine experimental impact testing, high-speed video recording and multi-scale Finite Element Analysis. Along with providing clinically relevant structural information, this type of analysis will give credibility and confidence to information on fracture mechanisms and structural determinants of failure derived from the non-invasive computational methods for fracture prediction.
The position is available immediately. Candidates with an MSc or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field should apply. Experience with any of the following would be a distinct advantage: image analysis, experimental testing of biological tissue and Finite Element Analysis. Knowledge of the German language is not required but would be advantageous. Funding is available for three years. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Interested candidates should send their resumes with the names of two references and university transcripts by e-mail to:
Dr. Benedikt Helgason
ETH-Zürich
Institute for Biomechanics, HPP-O12
Hönggerbergring 64
CH-8093 Zürich
Switzerland
bhelgason@ethz.ch