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 degradataion 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 profiecient in the English languague. Non-native speakers will have their English proficiency assessed during the interview process.
4. Must be available for full-time enrollement in the PhD programm 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.

Please refer the Job description for details