PhD position on the interaction between dental biomaterials and oral tissues

at  KU Leuven

PhD position on the interaction between dental biomaterials and oral tissues
(ref. BAP-2024-478)
Laatst aangepast: 06/07/24
Join our interdisciplinary network at KU Leuven, consisting of the BIOMAT (https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/biomat) and OMFS-IMPATH research groups.
The BIOMAT research group focuses on a broad range of BIOMATERIALS with orofacial application, and encompasses fundamental material research, biological cell culture, micro-biological and animal research, as well as applied laboratory, translational and clinical research. BIOMAT intends to improve dental adhesive technology for diverse adhesive restorative procedures, to develop bioactive dental materials with anti-bacterial and remineralization potential, to innovate endodontology by developing biomaterials for pulpal repair and pulp regeneration, to advance dental ceramic material technology to be processed by subtractive and additive manufacturing for both tooth restoration and replacement (implants), to improve osseointegration of dental implants, while also assessing biocompatibility of dental (bio)materials.
The OMFS-IMPATH Group (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Imaging and pathology) The OMFS-IMPATH research group relates to the development and validation of surgical tools and image-based solutions to advance in oromaxillofacial surgery, with an ultimate aim to obtain an optimized treatment outcome while minimizing the peri- and postsurgical risks, such as neurovascular trauma. In order to achieve this, global integration of digital datasets will enable the creation of a virtual replica of the patient. This may allow full simulation of the surgery as well as of its expected outcome. While the latter may help to further modify and finetune the planned surgery, the former integrated virtual data may allow presurgical simulations, development of image-based surgical tools, and navigation.
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Project
Ph.D. position vacant to conduct the research project, titled ‘DESIRE-2-B: Deciphering dental pulp interaction with biomaterials through bioprinted tissue models’
We are developing an interdisciplinary approach to transform the way we study the interaction between dental biomaterials and oral tissues. Our proposed strategy focuses on creating bioprinted tissue model serving as a platform for biomaterial testing, as well as a bioactive dental material capable of promoting repair and regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex.
This innovative project addresses a significant challenge in oral health, particularly tooth decay and pulp infection, and aims to overcome the current limitations of existing tissue-engineering strategies.

Profile

• Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, Biology, Biotechnology, Dentistry, Medicine, or equivalent, with at least a distinction degree.
• You have a profound interest in bridging the gap between engineering and biomedical sciences and are willing to broaden your field of expertise in related assessment techniques.
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
• Previous experience with (dental) stem cells and scaffolds is a plus.
• In-vivo testing knowledge is a plus.
• Knowledge of (stem) cell culture and molecular techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office package and statistical analysis.
• Critical thinking and fluent writing style.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, with strong initiative and motivation.
• Open-minded, keen on working in a multicultural environment where inclusion and equality are important.
• Capability to carry out doctoral research under supervision.

Offer

• A 4-year PhD research fellow position in an international and dynamic interdisciplinary research environment with the opportunity to obtain a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at a world top-ranked university.
• A competitive salary complemented with multiple benefits (health insurance, access to university infrastructure and sports facilities, etc.).
• Several occasions to develop your scientific and personal skills. Besides opportunities offered by the research group, further doctoral training for Ph.D. candidates is provided in the framework of the KU Leuven Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences (https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/phd).
• A stay in a vibrant environment in the heart of Europe. The university is in Leuven, a town of approximately 100,000 inhabitants, located close to Brussels (25 km) and 15 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport. This strategic positioning and the strong presence of the university, international research centers, and industry lead to a safe town with a high quality of life, welcome to non-Dutch-speaking people, and ample opportunities for social and sports activities. The mixture of cultures and research fields are some ingredients, that make the University of Leuven the most innovative university in Europe. Further information can be found on the website of the university: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/kuleuven/.

Interested?
Applicants can contact Prof. Dr. Mariano Simón Pedano De Piero, Dr. Mostafa EzEldeen, or Mr. Ben Mercelis (contact details provided below), by email mentioning “Ph.D. DESIRE-2-B” in the subject line and enclosing a motivation letter (mandatory), a full CV including a recent photograph and contact information of two references (mandatory), full list of credits and grades of both B. Sc. and M. Sc. degrees as well as their transcription to English (mandatory). if you haven’t finished your degree yet, just provide us with a partial list of already available credits and grades.
You can apply for this job no later than August 15, 2024 using the online application tool.
Prof. Dr. Mariano Simón Pedano De Piero, mail: simon.pedano@kuleuven.be
Dr. Mostafa EzEldeen, mail: mostafa.ezeldeen@kuleuven.be
Mr. Ben Mercelis, mail: benjamin.mercelis@kuleuven.be
KU Leuven encourages diverse talents and backgrounds, so all individuals are welcome to apply, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality, or impairments.
You can apply for this job no later than August 15, 2024 via the online application tool
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
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Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
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Locatie : Leuven
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