The Biomechanics Section at KU Leuven is seeking to appoint a highly motivated PhD student to perform research on:
MECHANICAL AND STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS AFTER SURGICAL TREATMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS
The Biomechanics Section is a multi-disciplinary institute situated in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The division is having a strong expertise in both numerical and experimental analyses of human structure and function. Research topics cover the broad spectrum of length scales present in the human body: from cells to tissues and from organs to the entire body and its interaction with the environment. Research is clustered around four main topics: bone and implant mechanics, mechanobiology and tissue engineering, computer aided engineering in surgery, and functional biomechanical design and analysis. Many projects run in collaboration with clinical partners. The research activities are reflected in the teaching activities of the division. We provide basic engineering mechanics and engineering design in the bachelor years and provide several courses for the Master in Biomedical Engineering.
Project
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent chronic joint disease. There is no cure to OA. Surgical treatment is performed in severe cases to reduce pain and to improve mobility. Due to longer life expectancy and the tendency to perform initial surgery at younger age, classic joint arthroplasty is facing increased revision surgery. In an attempt to postpone or obviate joint arthroplasty a renewed focus is seen on joint preserving corrective surgery. With this project we aim to improve our understanding on (i) the alterations in joint loading following surgery, on (ii) the accompanying alterations in bone microstructure, and on (iii) how the structural alterations are related to alterations in joint loading.
We are seeking to expand our team with a PhD student to quantify the alterations in mechanical load in OA-affected knee joints before and after surgical treatment. Specifically, we will measure bone microstructure in OA patients using high-resolution ConeBeamCT and will monitor the alterations occurring within two years following treatment. Experimental and computational biomechanics will be used to quantify the alterations in mechanical load following treatment. These data are highly needed to improve treatment of OA.
Profile
The candidate shouldhave a recent MSc (or be close to graduating) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other relevant discipline. Knowledge and experience in bone and cartilage mechanics, finite element analyses, programming and experimental testing are advantageous. Good skills in spoken and written English are mandatory.
Offer
We offer an interdisciplinary research project at the Biomechanics Section at KU Leuven, with close interaction and collaboration with clinical departments in Leuven and Kortrijk as well as with several research groups in Europe. The candidate will be supported by the Arenberg Doctoral School offering a versatile training program that addresses both academic expertise and personal skills. Salaries are highly competitive and in accordance with KU Leuven regulations.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Harry van Lenthe, tel.: +32 16 32 25 95, mail: harry.vanlenthe@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than September 03, 2017 via the online application tool :
http://www.kuleuven.be/eapplyingforjobs/light/54275627
KU Leuven carries out an equal opportunity and diversity policy.
