Postdoctoral Researcher – Computational and Experimental Biomechanics of Bone Fragility in Type-2 Diabetes. Biomechanics Research Centre (BioMec),College of Engineering and Informatics, NUI Galway (NUIG RES 144-21)

Institution: National University of Ireland, Galway

Vacancy Category: Research

Salary From: €39 186.00

Salary To: €48 626.00

Contract Type: Temporary

Vacancy closing date: 9 Aug, 2021

Reference: NUIG RES 144-21

Subject / Area: Other

Applications are invited for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position Computational and Experimental Biomechanics of Bone Fragility in Type-2 Diabetes at the Biomechanics Research Centre (BioMec), College of Engineering and Informatics, NUI Galway. This position is funded through a European Starter Grant, under the supervision of Dr. Ted Vaughan (Google Scholar) and is available from 1st October 2021 to the 31st March 2023.

Job Description:

The onset of Type-2 Diabetes is associated with increased bone fracture risk, despite the fact that bone volume is not reduced. This implies that T2 Diabetes impairs bone quality, whereby the intrinsic properties of the bone matrix itself are altered. It is widely believed that non-enzymatic glycation of proteins in the organic matrix underlie the pathogenesis of diabetic skeletal fragility. However, due to the complex nature of bone fracture events, there is a distinct lack of understanding of how altered protein mechanics impair functional properties in T2 diabetic bone disease. This project will develop a novel multiscale mechanics framework using state-of-the-art experimental and computational techniques to elucidate the physical mechanisms responsible for bone fragility.A series of novel testing strategies will be used at organ-, tissue- and nano-scales to characterise fracture behaviour of human Type-2 diabetic bone tissue. In parallel, computational models will be developed to predict damage-based fracture mechanisms at tissue- and organ-levels. This research will be conducted using the equipment, technical expertise, office and research space within the College of Engineering and Informatics at NUI Galway. The new 14,000m2 Engineering building houses state-of-the-art Biomedical Engineering facilities, biomechanical testing laboratories, micro-CT scanning and research space.

Duties:

• Carry out detailed biomechanical characterization of bone tissue at multiple length scales
• Carry out detailed material-level characterization of bone tissue using techniques such as micro-CT, SEM and Raman spectroscopy.
• Carry out finite element modelling of the biomechanics of bone fragility.
• Publish data in high impact factor journals and/or protect new intellectual property.
• Provide mentorship to PhD students within the research group.
• Be responsible for project-related management and preparation of project reports.
  • Actively participate in national/international conferences and meetings

Qualifications/Skills required.

Essential Requirements:

• Applicants must have a primary degree and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or closely-related discipline.
• Applicants must have first author publications in leading journals in the field of experimental and computational biomechanics.
• Applicants must have a strong background in computational modelling of medical devices and/or biomechanics.
• Applicants must have experience of a wide-range of material/tissue characterization and analysis techniques (e.g. SEM, micro-CT, biochemical analysis, Raman spectroscopy.).
  • Applicants should have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience in engineering programming languages (e.g. Fortran, C, Matlab, Python).
• Experience in continuum damage mechanics and its implementation in finite element modelling software

Salary:

€39,186 - €48,626 per annum pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will apply).

Start date:

Position is available from 1st October 2021

Continuing Professional Development/Training:

Researchers at NUI Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. 

Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr. Ted Vaughan at [email protected]  

To Apply:

Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of two referees should be sent, via e-mail (PDF attachments only) to Dr. Ted Vaughan at [email protected]  

Please put reference number NUIG RES 144-21   in subject line of e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm (Irish Time), on Monday 9th August 2021.

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment. National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

Due to the University closure related to COVID-19, interviews may have to take place virtually and start dates may need to be delayed

NUI Galway reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post

To Apply: Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of two referees should be sent, via e-mail (PDF attachments only) to Dr. Ted Vaughan at [email protected]   

Please put reference number NUIG RES 144-21   in subject line of e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm (Irish Time), on Monday 9th August 2021.

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment. National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

Due to the University closure related to COVID-19, interviews may have to take place virtually and start dates may need to be delayed

NUI Galway reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.