PREDOCTORAL STUDENT FOR PROJECT ON BIODEGRADABLE METALLIC MATERIALS FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

IMDEA Materials Institute is a public research organization founded in by Madrid’s regional government to carry out research of excellence in Material Science and Engineering by attracting talent from all over the world to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment.
IMDEA Materials has grown rapidly since its foundation and currently includes more than 120 researchers from 22 nationalities and has become one of the leading research centers in materials in Europe which has received the María de Maeztu seal of excellence from the Spanish government.
The research activities have been focused on the areas of materials for transport, energy, and health care and the Institute has state-of-the-art facilities for processing, characterization and simulation of advanced materials.
More information can be found at our webpage.
Description Project Background.
Reconstructive surgeries frequently require multiple, often complex, procedures at a high social and economic cost.
A shape-morphing implant that can be implanted using less invasive procedures and that then undergoes predesigned shape changes, leading to tissue expansion and allowing for complete degradation coupled with tissue regeneration, is a radically new treatment concept.
The BIOMET4D project aims to create a new generation of shape-shifting and load-bearing implants for dynamic tissue restoration and to introduce a revolutionary paradigm in how actuators can be implemented in biomedicine.
Science-towards-technology breakthroughs will be demonstrated with new shape-morphing metamaterials, 4D smart metallic actuators, advanced multi-domain optimization tools, and finally proof-of-concept for two potential clinical applications, craniosynostosis treatment and skin expansion.
Technologically, this vision also goes beyond existing paradigms because of the step-by-step actuation mechanisms, enabled through the additive manufacturing of multi-material degradable metallic structures, that are targeted for an order of magnitude improvement compared to the state-of-the-art.
Project Tasks.
The selected candidate will carry out research tasks that are planned as part of the project, working within a small team at IMDEA Materials Institute and within a larger European consortium.
The candidate will focus on the mechanical and electrochemical characterization of the biodegradable metallic materials developed in the project for the 4D shape-morphing medical devices.
This work will involve the following elements.
(1) microstructural characterization, (2) mechanical characterization and (3) electrochemical characterization of processed and degraded test probes.
Requirements The candidate should have a M.
c.
in Materials Science/Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with strong academic credentials.
A high level of English (both oral and written) is mandatory.
The candidate should have experience from their previous research in the following areas.
materials characterization (biodegradation studies, ICP-OES, electron microscopy, mechanical testing, electrochemical tests, etc.).
Conditions Screening of candidates will begin immediately.
The vacancy will remain listed until January 28th, .
Therefore, interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure the best consideration of their application.
The contract will be for 6 months.
Candidates must submit their materials through the IMDEA jobs portal for full consideration.
Applications are processed upon reception.
The position might be closed once ten working days have passed since publication, so we encourage early application.
The working language of the Institute is English.
Full command of the English language is required in all positions.
WHAT YOU WILL FIND AT IMDEA.
Stimulating environment where you can grow professionally.
IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and the promotion of a healthy work environment and work-life balance.
Female applicants are encouraged to apply to our research and technical positions.
See our Gender Equality Plan here and our Code of Ethics here.
Besides on-the-job technical training, IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to training the Institute’s scientists and staff in “soft” or transversal skills.
See the available training here.
Meet some of our alumni to see what it is like to work with us.