Multi-scale analysis of musculoskeletal and cartilage loading during locomotion.
Within the Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group @ KU Leuven, we are looking for a motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to participate in ongoing research on musculoskeletal and cartilage loading during locomotion and is interested in expanding his/her current modeling skills.
Research group
In the human movement biomechanics research group, we study the mechanical loading in different musculoskeletal tissues during normal and pathological movement and relate them to tissue adaptation. The role of mechanical loading in cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis (OA) development is currently one of the central themes in our research. These insights will ultimately be used to define surgical or therapeutic strategies to optimize musculoskeletal loading and prevent degeneration.
This research line runs in close collaboration with different groups in KU Leuven, more specific the research group on Tissue Homeostasis and Disease (Prof. Rik Lories), the Institute for Orthopedic Research and Training (Prof. Lennart Scheys) and the Biomechanics Research Unit of the mechanical engineering department (Prof. Jos Vander Sloten and Prof. Nele Famaey).
Responsibilities
You will be responsible for the multiscale modelling aspects in different ongoing projects, more specifically related to (1) the impact of lower limb loading on OA development, (2) the impact of spinal deformities on spine kinematics and loading and (3) the impact of ligament properties on knee loading.
You will assist in further developing these research lines and writing of research proposals in this area.If applicable, you will co-supervise PhD students in the respective projects.
You will supervise master student projects in these research areas.
You will contribute to teaching classes in the human movement sciences, physical therapy and biomedical engineering program depending on the candidate’s profile.
You will provide administrative and technical support of activities within the research group, department or faculty.
Profile
This position is open for interested postdoc candidates with an interest in relating human movement to musculoskeletal and cartilage loading and eventually tissue adaptation. The candidate must hold a doctoral degree in biomedical/mechanical engineering or human movement sciences in which multi-scale modelling, musculoskeletal modelling, rigid body simulations or finite element analysis were used. The candidates will be asked to demonstrate his expertise using dedicated software tools (e.g. Opensim, FEbios, Abaqus, Anybody) at the time of the interview. Previous experience with in vivo and in vitro measurements is of additional value.
The candidate should be highly interested in working in a multi-disciplinary environment consisting of engineers, physical therapists and medical doctors.
Candidates planning their doctoral defence in spring or even summer 2019 are encouraged to apply as well.
Key words: Biomechanics, multiscale modelling, rigid body simulations, medical imaging, osteoarthritis.
Offer
Financing: available for 1 year
Type of Position: Fellowship
Timing: Applications should be received by February 1, 2019. Interviews are planned during second half of February/ beginning of March 2019. Starting date is negotiable.
Duration of the Project: The position will be assigned initially for 1 year. The candidate will be supported to apply for personal funding.
More information + application through
