Postdoctoral Position (m/f) Computational Biology/ Computational Biomechanics/ Computational Medicine with focus on bone

code no. 2018/WB 9
The place of employment is Geesthacht, Germany. Research at HZG in the field of "Metallic Biomaterials" focusses on the development of biodegradable Mg-based alloys and implants by the optimization of mechanical, biological and degradation properties for specific applications. To this end, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms governing the interactions between microstructure, mechanical properties, biology and degradation. In the long run, such understanding will enable the manufacturing of implants tailored to the specific needs of individual patients. To achieve this we plan to analyse large amounts of data from different experimental setups by machine learning in order to identify key factors which determine the implant performance.

This postdoctoral position is a full time position, fixed term 3 years, starting date as soon as possible.

Project description:

You will be responsible for the development of a simulation model for the growth and remodelling processes of bone tissue surrounding degradable Mg-implants. This includes modelling the time-resolved evolution of physiological processes under consideration of chemical species released during the degradation of Mg implants and their influence on cells and tissue. In detail, you will be responsible for:

• development of computational models of growth and remodelling in bone based on collected 3D in vivo and ex vivo data, histology and if needed cell culture data from single and co-culture models
• collaboration with another postdoc who will work on modelling the degradation of Mg-alloys in biological media in order to develop together a combined computational model of the interplay between growth and remodelling of bone and degradation of magnesium around biodegradable implants
• validation of modelling approaches using available data from high-resolution computed tomography images
• transfer into a common simulation framework provided
• if needed, initiation of specific experiments to gain missing data

Requirements:

This position requires a university degree (MSc, Diploma or equivalent) and a PhD in computational biology / computational biomechanics / computational medicine, natural science, medicine or a technical field. We ask for a theoretical background with strong analytical skills and proven experience in bone physiology, numerical analysis and computer-based modelling of bone. Experience in modelling of biological processes in general as well as good programming skills in Matlab, Python and C++ are appreciated. Knowledge about degradable implant materials and especially Magnesium are desirable. You should have team spirit and show excellent communication and organization skills as well as a sound expertise of English language.

We offer:

• multinational work environment with over 950 colleagues from more than 50 nations
• extensive options of vocational training (for instance, expert seminars, language courses or leadership seminars)
• flexible working hours and various models to ensure the compatibility of family and career
• excellent infrastructure, including a scientific in-house library as well as modern work spaces
• remuneration according to the standards of the collective wage agreement TV-AVH including further social benefits

You will work in a team of several computational scientists and experimentalists who can provide data along the full chain from material design up to in vivo data.