PhD position in spinal implant design at Uppsala University

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Its mission is to pursue top-quality research and education and to interact constructively with society. Its most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has 42,000 students, 7,000 employees and a turnover of SEK 6.7 billion.

The PhD position is at the Division of Applied Materials Science, Department of Engineering Sciences, Ångström Laboratory.

Uppsala University is pleased to invite applications for a PhD position in the new four-year EU-funded Marie Sklodowska-Curie ITN programme “Training innovative future leaders in research and development of materials and implants for the spine” (NU-SPINE, nu-spine.eu, project ID 812 765). This network is led by Prof. Cecilia Persson at Uppsala University and consists of three European universities (Uppsala University, ETH Zürich and University of Leeds) as well as industrial (IHI Ionbond AG, CeramTec GmbH, Key Engineering Solutions, AMEDICA Corp and OssDsign AB) and clinical (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) collaborators.

Project description: NU-SPINE aims to deliver novel material compositions with a higher degree of biocompatibility as well as novel implant designs adapted to the local loading situation. Important deliverables for the network are also innovative methods for more accurate evaluation of the demanding tribological and corrosive conditions surrounding the implants. NU-SPINE will train talented researchers with the scientific and entrepreneurial mind required of the next generation of leaders in academia and industry connected to these medical devices. As a PhD student, you will benefit from a tailored, multidisciplinary, scientific training programme, and be exposed to different environments via planned placements, and contribute to and organise workshops.

This PhD project will focus on materials development and implant design for spinal fusion. Numerical models will be used to design and structurally optimize a bioactive, osteoinductive spinal fusion device based on a combination of ceramics and metals. 3D printing will be used to produce prototypes for initial mechanical evaluation of the developed implants in an ex vivomodel, guided by standards on intervertebral devices. The project will be performed mainly at Uppsala University, and in collaboration with OssDsign AB. Main supervision will be undertaken by Prof. Cecilia Persson (UU), with co-supervision from Prof. Per Isaksson (Solid mechanics, UU) and Dr Kajsa Björklund (OssDsign AB). The position includes secondments at OssDsign AB, Sweden (PM10-12) and University of Leeds, UK (PM20-23).

Your main duties will include:

• Conducting world-class research focussed on materials development and implant design for spinal fusion and NU-SPINE activities;
• Developing initiative, creativity and judgement in applying appropriate approaches to research activities;
• Actively participate in all relevant activities organised by the network as advised by the Supervisor;
• Attending meetings as required to discuss the project. This will involve occasional EU-wide travel, beyond that associated with secondments;
• Ensuring good day-to-day progress of work, and maintaining good records;
• Writing up results for publication and attending suitable conferences for their dissemination;
• Working both independently and also as part of a larger team of researchers, including interacting with and providing assistance to other staff in the research group and the NU-SPINE network and engaging in knowledge-transfer activities where appropriate and feasible;
• Contributing to joint discussions within the wider research group and network;
• Maintaining your own continuing professional development.

These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post.

Full information can be found here