Research assistant in biomedical engineering with a focus on additive manufacturing of degradable alloys

Published: 2023-01-27

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

Full-time temporary position for 3 months, starting as soon as possible or as agreed upon

Project description
This research projects is about developing and optimizing processing parameters for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of degradable alloys, including those from magnesium and zinc. Degradable alloys are beneficial as biomaterials particularly for use as biodegradable implants. These implants degrade within the human body as bone healing takes place, and therefore, eliminate costly and potentially dangerous secondary revision surgeries. Fabrication of such implants via LPBF can further enhance the potential for biomedical applications, given the ability for patient-specific design. We are specifically interested in establishing optimum processing-property relations during LPBF of Mg and Zn alloys, to achieve defect-free components with high mechanical properties and good corrosion resistance.

Work duties
Assist research in the above projects. The work builds on our previous research on Mg alloys and is about establishing an understanding between LPBF processing parameters and microstructure in and along melt pool regions. This part entails good understanding of solidification phenomena and microstructure development. In the case of Zn alloys, the research aims to optimize LPBF processing parameters for a series of Zn-based binary alloys. This part entails good understanding of LPBF processing and will require sample evaluation including density measurements, in-depth microscopy and evaluation of mechanical and corrosion properties. The work will be carried out at the division of biomedical engineering in a highly interdisciplinary environment.

Qualification requirements
Master's degree, or equivalent, with a focus on additive manufacturing, materials science, or similar. We require knowledge and experimental experience of laser powder bed fusion, reactive alloys, metallography preparation, and of optical and scanning electron microscopy. Experience in the production and experimental characterization of degradable, reactive alloys such as Mg and Zn -based alloys is required.

We require good oral and written skills in English.

Personal qualities such as good cooperation and communication skills are very important. You must be purposeful, structured and able to work effectively both individually and in a group. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position, 3 months. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as soon as possible or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Dr Francesco D'Elia, [email protected] or Dr Alexandra Davydova, [email protected] 

Please submit your application by February 10th 2023, UFV-PA 2023/247.

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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: Individual 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 2023/247

Last application date: 2023-02-10

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