PhD Position Development of Biodegradable Implants

PhD Position Development of Biodegradable Implants at TU Delft

Join TU Delft's PhD project on developing bioactive, 3D-printed vertebral implants in a cutting-edge collaboration with Amber Implant. Apply now to shape the future of spinal care!

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to contribute to the research and development of implants for vertebral fixation system that integrates biodegradable metals, bioactive ceramics, and peptide-functionalized coating using multi-material 3D printing. This interdisciplinary project aims to overcome the limitations of current treatments for vertebral fractures and advance the field of regenerative spinal implants.

As a PhD researcher, you will:

• Design and fabricate scaffolds using direct ink writing, incorporating biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials.
• Develop and apply bioactive peptide coatings to stimulate osteointegration.
• Analyze material degradation and ion release profiles to ensure synchronized scaffold degradation with bone healing.
• Perform mechanical and in vitro testing.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams from TU Delft and Amber Implant, including biomechanical and biomedical scientists and engineers, and clinical experts.
• Prepare publications and conference presentations, and contribute to the preclinical validation package.

Job requirements

We welcome applications for candidates fulfilling the following criteria:

1. Must meet the entry requirements for PhD enrollment. Candidates must hold a second-level Master's Degree (120 ECTS + 180 ECTS from a bachelor degree) or a single-cycle degree (minimum 300 ECTS), or a comparable university degree (second cycle qualification) in biomechnical engineering, mechancial engineering, material science, or related fields.
2. Must not have a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment. Researchers who have defended their doctoral thesis but not yet awarded the doctoral degree are not eligible.
3. Must be proficient in the English language. Non-native speakers will have their English proficiency assessed during the interview process.
4. Must be available for full-time enrollment in the PhD program at TU Delft.
5. Must demonstrate strong background in biomechanics, materials science, or bone biology.
6. Must have experience strong background in computational modeling, particularly with Finite Element Method (FEM), and be familiar with software such as ABAQUS.
7. Must have high-level programming skills, particularly in Python, for model development and process automation.
8. Should have expertise in 3D printing technologies, especially related to bio-based materials as well as characterization techniques such imaging, and mechanical testing.
9. Should have experience or knowledge of material design and topological optimization.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 per month in the first year to €3881 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Mohammad J. Mirzaali, m.j.mirzaali@tudelft.nl, or Prof. Amir A. Zadpoor, a.a.zadpoor@tudelft.nl.