Call for 2 (two) PhD Scholarship holder under the project PTDC/EMD-EMD/2229/2020 (# of pos: 2)

INEGI-Instituto de Ciência e Inovação em Engenharia Mecânica e Engenharia Industrial announces the opening of a call for the recruitment of two doctoral researchers, within the framework of the project PRECOGFIL - PTDC/EMD-EMD/2229/2020, funded by FCT/MCTES, under the following conditions:

Scientific area: Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering

1. Grant duration and regime:

Each grant has a duration of 12 months, starting in September 2022, and may be renewed. The awarding of the scholarships does not generate or result in a legal labour relationship and is carried out on an exclusive dedication basis. The recruited doctoral researcher is granted the status of grant holder, in accordance with the current Research Grant Regulations of the Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P.

2. Grant type:

2.1 Grant 1:

• Title : “Modelling and simulation of female vagina wall defects repair, using synthetic implants”
• Work program: Development of a 3D computational model of the vagina to be used to simulate female vagina wall defects and its repair, using synthetic implants and in particular cog threads implants developed within the project PRECOGFIL. Using different vaginal wall properties (i.e. early stage prolapsed tissue), various conditions of its repair could be simulated: reinforcement with different types of implants with varying geometries, material type, surgical insertion technique etc.
• Academic qualifications :
  • MSc degree in the scientific areas indicated above.
  • Good working knowledge of Finite Element Modelling and use of proprietary software (such as ABAQUS).
  • Published papers on computer modelling and simulation applied to biomechanics will be a preference.
  • Good command of Portuguese (not mandatory) and English language, in oral and written forms.
  • Ability for team and individual work.

2.2 Grant 2:

• Title : “Novel minimally invasive bioabsorbable 3D printed melt electrospun cog thread implants for vaginal wall reinforcement”
• Work program: This research will be focused on the design, manufacturing and biomechanical characterization of novel cog thread implants for female prolapse repair. Different biodegradable materials, such as PCL (polycaprolactone), PLA (polylactic acid) and PDO (polydioxanone), geometries and manufacturing processes will be studied. Full characterization of the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of the novel implants will be carried out.
• Academic qualifications :
  • MSc degree in the scientific areas indicated above, in particular bioengineering and biomedical engineering.
  • Good working knowledge of additive manufacturing, bioprinting and cell biological performance and its interaction with the implants/scaffolds (cell adhesion and growth proliferation).
  • Published papers on additive manufacturing, tissue engineering and implant bioengineering, cell biology, will be a preference.
  • Good command of Portuguese (not mandatory) and English language, in oral and written forms.
  • Ability to work autonomously and in teams.

3. Scientific supervision:

The recruited candidates will be working within the project PRECOGFIL, coordinated by Doctor António Augusto Fernandes. For each candidate a Supervising Committee will be selected.

4. Academic Degrees:

Academic degrees obtained in foreign countries shall be registered by a Portuguese institution, according to the DL 66/2018, of August 16th , and the Ordinance nr. 33/2019, of January 25th. It is mandatory to present the certificate to sign the contract.

More information is available on: https://www.dges.gov.pt/pt/pagina/reconhecimento .

5. Monthly allowance:

The scholarship amount corresponds to 1144,64 €, according to FCT (https://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/valores ), I.P. The scholarship payment will be made by bank transfer.

6. Other benefits:

Voluntary Social Security reimbursement, corresponding to the 1st level of the contributory base (for scholarships lasting 6 months or more); Personal Accident Insurance.

7. Applicable Legislation:

Research Fellow Statute, approved by Law No. 40/2004 of August 18th, in the current wording published by Decree-Law No. 123/2019 of August 28th; Regulation of Research Grants of the Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. in force (Regulation No. 950 / 2019 of December 16th https://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/regulamento.phtml.pt ).

8. Evaluation criteria:

The selection method will be a curricular evaluation according to the selection criteria and an interview. The final assessment is calculated based on the following weights: academic qualifications (50%) and interview (50%).

The selection criteria are as follows: scientific merit, qualifications, suitability of the candidate's profile and the objectives of the scholarship, motivation and experience in the subject of the work program. The jury reserves the right not to fill the position, if there are no candidates that meet the requirements.

9. Composition of the evaluation panel:

9.1 Grant 1

Doctor António Augusto Fernandes (President), Doctor Marco Parente (Vowel), Doctor Elisabete Silva (Vowel). Doctor Renato Natal Jorge (Alternate Vowel).

9.2 Grant 2

Doctor António Augusto Fernandes (President), Doctor Fernando Jorge Lino Alves (Vowel), Doctor Elisabete Silva (Vowel), Doutor Renato Natal Jorge (Alternate Vowel).

10. Publication/notification of results:

The final evaluation results (ordered list) will be publicized in www.inegi.pt .

After being notified, candidates have 10 working days to submit a formal rebuttal by email ([email protected] ).

11. Submission of applications:

Applications must include the following documents:

- Motivation letter, stating the adequacy of the curriculum to the position;

- Curriculum Vitae;

- Copy of the MSc certificate;

- Proof of PhD student enrollment.

12. Expressions of interest should be sent between the 29th of June to 20th of July 2022 through the official INEGI website www.inegi.pt in join us | Research Grants by pressing Apply RH 2229 UBS 26/2022 or by mail.

13. Working place:

The work will be carried out in INEGI and FEUP facilities in Porto, Portugal or other places required to execute the workprogram.

14. Scholarship Support Centre:

The support centre for scholarship holders works from Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 12 pm, in the Human Resources Services.

INEGI – Instituto de Ciência e Inovação em Engenharia Mecânica e Engenharia Industrial

Serviços de Recursos Humanos

Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 400-4200-465 Porto-Portugal