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COMPUTER SIMULATIONS OF HUMAN MOVEMENT – CAN THEY BE USED TO IMPROVE TREATMENT SELECTION IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY?
We offer a full-time PhD position in the Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group at KU Leuven (Belgium) to develop and validate model-based simulations of walking to predict the outcome of orthopedic interventions in children with cerebral palsy. A brain lesion occurring shortly before, during, or shortly after birth causes cerebral palsy (CP) in 1 out of every 500 newborns. CP causes a broad range of impairments in motor control and musculoskeletal function that impair walking ability. Two thirds of the children with CP are ambulatory and most of them receive orthopedic surgery to correct bony deformities and muscle contractions in their early teens. Unfortunately, this intervention does not improve walking performance in 1 out of 4 children. The aim of this project is to develop and validate a computer modeling approach to predict the post-treatment walking pattern building on our experience in personalized neuro-musculoskeletal modeling and predictive simulation of movement. Such a tool has great potential to improve clinical decision making by allowing orthopedic surgeons to compare treatment outcome for different treatment options before entering surgery.
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual with a strong interest in developing and using computer simulations to study human movement. The candidate will also contribute to teaching activities related to biomechanics or other areas depending on the candidate’s profile.
Profile
Offer
The initial appointment is for one year starting in spring 2020 and will be extended upon positive evaluation (four years total). Applications are due on January 15, 2020. Interviews are planned end of January and early February.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. Friedl De Groote, mail: friedl.degroote@kuleuven.be.
You can apply through https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jo...?hl=en&lang=en
We offer a full-time PhD position in the Human Movement Biomechanics Research Group at KU Leuven (Belgium) to develop and validate model-based simulations of walking to predict the outcome of orthopedic interventions in children with cerebral palsy. A brain lesion occurring shortly before, during, or shortly after birth causes cerebral palsy (CP) in 1 out of every 500 newborns. CP causes a broad range of impairments in motor control and musculoskeletal function that impair walking ability. Two thirds of the children with CP are ambulatory and most of them receive orthopedic surgery to correct bony deformities and muscle contractions in their early teens. Unfortunately, this intervention does not improve walking performance in 1 out of 4 children. The aim of this project is to develop and validate a computer modeling approach to predict the post-treatment walking pattern building on our experience in personalized neuro-musculoskeletal modeling and predictive simulation of movement. Such a tool has great potential to improve clinical decision making by allowing orthopedic surgeons to compare treatment outcome for different treatment options before entering surgery.
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual with a strong interest in developing and using computer simulations to study human movement. The candidate will also contribute to teaching activities related to biomechanics or other areas depending on the candidate’s profile.
Profile
- You have earned a Master’s degree in Biomedical, Mechanical, Computer, or Mathematical Engineering or you have equivalent expertise.
- You have a strong interest in biomechanics and a background in programming (Matlab, C++) and numerical optimization.
- You are able to take on responsibilities and to work independently.
- You are interested in teaching courses and supervising master theses in the domain of biomechanics.
- You have good communication skills, are fluent in Dutch and English, and have excellent writing skills.
- You look forward to work in a multidisciplinary team with movement scientists and orthopedic surgeons.
Offer
The initial appointment is for one year starting in spring 2020 and will be extended upon positive evaluation (four years total). Applications are due on January 15, 2020. Interviews are planned end of January and early February.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. Friedl De Groote, mail: friedl.degroote@kuleuven.be.
You can apply through https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jo...?hl=en&lang=en