Postdoctoral position in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on numerical modelling of additively manufactured alloys

Published: 2022-09-21

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Postdoctoral position in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on numerical modelling of additively manufactured alloys

Full-time temporary position for two years, starting as soon as possible or as agreed upon

BioMaterials Systems (BmS) is a research group in the Division of Biomedical Engineering at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Uppsala University. The focus of the group is on development and characterization of new biomaterials for applications mainly in orthopaedics, with a specific focus on additive manufacturing (3D-printing). There are currently approximately 20 people in the research group.

More information on the profile of the research group can be found at:

(http://www.materialvetenskap.uu.se/bms/) .

The project is conducted in collaboration with the Division of Solid Mechanics at Lund University, at which regular visits are expected.

Project description
Magnesium-based alloys are some of the most promising materials for future degradable implants. With the help of additive manufacturing, patient-specific implants can be created. However, there is limited knowledge of how to manufacture these types of materials using additive manufacturing. One of the challenges is the high reactivity of magnesium, which leads to evaporation in the chamber and too high levels of intermetallic compounds, resulting in excessive degradation rates. One solution could be amorphous alloys. This project aims to use numerical models to develop such types of materials, and design alloys with appropriate degradation and mechanical properties.

Work duties
The work duties within this interdisciplinary research project include conducting high-quality research, in collaboration with other team members, from the design and manufacturing of the alloys, to characterization of the same, results analysis and finally publication of the work. The work involves, among other things, to plan and carry out different types of studies in numerical modelling of materials, in particular through thermodynamic calculations and the development of numerical nucleation and growth models and their implementation in finite element software. Some verification experiments are also expected to be completed, including through synchrotron and neutron studies. The work also includes analysing the results and, through scientific articles and presentations at international conferences, spread the new knowledge.

The position may include some supervision of students in undergraduate and postgraduate education.

Qualification requirements:
PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree.  The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

For this position, a PhD in Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics or related fields is required.

We also require:

i) documented experience of numerical modelling, such as finite element analysis or phase field models,

OR

ii) documented experience with relevant neutron and synchrotron measurement methods (e.g. in situ SAXS to study precipitation processes).

We require very good written and oral skills in English as well as very good scientific writing skills.

We require the ability to work in a focused and structured manner within given time frames, both individually and in a team, and to be able to collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment with colleagues both within and outside the department.

When assessing applications, special emphasis will be placed on applicants' documented experience of publishing scientific work in high-quality journals and giving presentations at scientific meetings. 

Additional qualifications: Documented experience of numerical modelling of thermodynamic data and/or numerical nucleation and growth models is highly desirable. Experience in both i) and ii) is highly desirable. Experience in obtaining external research grants is highly desirable.

Application procedure: 

The application shall include:

• Cover letter including a short description of yourself, your research interests and why you are suitable for the position (max 2 pages)
• CV (max 2 pages)
• List of publications
• Copies of 3 publications of particular relevance
• Copy of your PhD degree, grades and other merits of relevance. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Name and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address and phone no.).

The application shall be written in English.

About the employment:
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100 %.
Starting date as soon as possible or as agreed upon.
Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position please contact: 

Project leader – Professor Cecilia Persson, [email protected]

Please submit your application by 25 October 2022, UFV-PA 2022/3300

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position longer than 6 months

Pay: Fixed salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: Seko Universitetsklubben [email protected]
ST/TCO [email protected]
Saco-rådet [email protected]

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2022/3300

Last application date: 2022-10-25

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