Tweet
The Institute for Orthopaedic Research and Training (IORT) of the University Hospitals Leuven/KU Leuven (https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/iort) invites applications for a
Postdoctoral Researcher - Dynamic In-Vitro Simulations of Lower-Limb Joints
The position will be available from 1st October 2017 onwards and is being offered for 2 years. Extension is subject to satisfactory progress. Salary will be offered full-time, according to university regulations and depending on level of qualification (please see: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jo...lary Scale 44). Location of work will primarily be in University Hospitals Leuven – campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
Project Description
In vitro joint simulators have the ability to impose controlled motion and physiological loading on cadaveric joints. They provide unprecedented insights into how joint mechanics are affected by orthopaedic procedures, leading to fundamental insights supporting improved patient outcomes. Two such in vitro simulator systems are currently available at KU Leuven: a knee joint simulator and a foot- ankle complex simulator (see figure).
The candidate will be expected to merge the knowledge, fuse the available data, as well as mutually update the technology surrounding both simulators into one unified platform. Through this, we are aiming to further strengthen and consolidate our close collaborations with industry, clinicians and researchers in our combined effort to improve outcome of surgery. Furthermore, by integrating this platform into our current surgical training and education programs we aim to, for the first time, provide trainees with unique biomechanical feedback, thus greatly improving its effect on surgical quality.
This funded project involves multi-disciplinary collaborations between the IORT (Prof. L. Scheys), the Human Movement Biomechanics Lab (Prof. I. Jonkers), the division of Biomechanics (Prof. J. Vander Sloten and Prof. L. Labey) and the Anatomy Skills Center (Prof. P. Herijgers). In obtaining the project goals the successful candidate will supervise and coordinate activities of two technical assistants appointed to this project.
Additionally, we offer:
· a young, highly motivated and international team of researchers,
· a modern, dynamic working environment,
· in a state-of-the-art laboratory conveniently located within the centre of Leuven, Belgium,
· the possibility for unique interactions with high-level, research-oriented orthopaedic surgeons,
integration in our international network of academic and industrial partners.
Your Profile
Highly motivated applicants with a doctoral degree (PhD) in biomechanics, biomedical engineering or a related discipline are invited. Profound knowledge of human joint biomechanics, biomechanical testing, control system design (preferably in Labview), musculoskeletal simulations and mechanical design are required. We expect the candidate to demonstrate strong communication and writing skills in English. In addition to the interest in solving scientific problems through in-vitro biomechanical experiments, experience with, or demonstrable affinity for, the valorisation and clinical translation of biomechanical or orthopaedic research in collaboration with clinical or industrial partners is highly valued.
Does this challenge appeal to you? Then we would like to meet you…
Please send your complete application, including the usual documents (CV, degree certificates, short summary of research interests and achievements, references and publication list), preferably via email in pdf-format to:
Institute for Orthopaedic Research and Training (IORT) – Division of Orthopaedics, Goedele Liegeois, Weligerveld 1 – Blok 1, 3212 Pellenberg, Belgium (Tel. +32 (0)16 33 88 17). email: IORT@uzleuven.be
Or, use our online application system via: http://icts.kuleuven.be/apps/jobsite/vacatures/54271445
To discuss any questions concerning the job profile please contact:
Lennart Scheys, Director of the Institute for Orthopaedic Research and Training (IORT) (Tel. +32 (0)16 34 08 85). Email: Lennart.scheys@kuleuven.be