Back pain is among the top ten diseases causing the greatest burden on society in terms of years lived with disability. It is estimated that 30 to 40% of these cases are attributed to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Currently, there are no satisfactory treatments for IVD degeneration. If analgesics and physical therapy fail to control the pain, operative treatment can be considered in some cases, where the involved spinal segments are fused using metal/polymer cages. Such spinal fusion operations are very effective in relieving patients’ pain, but they are not always successful, sometimes leading to delayed fusions or non-unions. Our goal is to develop an innovative solution for spinal fusion using a 3D printed bioresorbable ceramic-based cage that is osteoinductive, load-bearing, and can counteract local inflammation. The newly created implant will be tested in vitro and in an in vivo animal model to move one step closer towards translation to human clinical applications. Your aim will be to design, fabricate, and characterize a subject-specific cage implant that promotes spinal fusion through mechanical stimulation while providing adequate mechanical strength until complete vertebrae fusion. To do this, you will focus on modeling the mechanobiology of the native tissue using integrated computational and experimental methods and translate those findings into innovative regenerative designs and material implants that promote fast and complete spinal fusion. You will contribute to a large Dutch-Brazilian research program – BioFusion – to research engineered biomaterials for spinal fusion https://www.nwo.nl/en/news/five-brazilian-dutch-consortia-awarded-to-research-engineered-biomaterials-for-healthcare-applications. You will closely collaborate and spend some time at our partner organizations at KU Leuven (Belgium) and UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, School of Engineering (Brazil).
About the group
You will be enrolled at Eindhoven University of Technology within the Biomaterials Design and Processing and Orthopedics groups. Our mission is to develop novel treatment strategies for an aging and active population. We combine advanced biomaterials and manufacturing methods, such as Additive Manufacturing and Bioprinting, with in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo platforms, as well as engineering methods like high-resolution imaging and computational modeling. Our goal is to enhance understanding of musculoskeletal tissues and create regenerative treatments. We are part of the Regenerative Materials and Engineering cluster in the Department of Biomedical Engineering https://www.tue.nl/en/our-university/departments/biomedical-engineering. The department offers Bachelor's and Master's programs linked to research areas such as Chemical Biology, Biomaterials, and Biomechanics, with over 800 students and 200 academic staff. Our inclusive, collaborative campus fosters connections and excellence in research and education.
We are accepting applications from enthusiastic and highly talented candidates who meet the following requirements:
We offer a meaningful job in a dynamic, stimulating and ambitious team environment.
About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.
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Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Miguel Dias Castilho, email m.dias.castilho@tue.nl.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, email HRServices.Gemini@tue.nl.
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Application
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Applications must be in English.
We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.