Seeking PhD Researcher in Biomedical Engineering - Computational Bone Mechanobiology/Tissue Engineering

PhD
in Biomedical Engineering

Applications are invited for a postgraduate degree by research (PhD)
in Biomedical Engineering at the National University of Ireland Galway. The
project is funded by the European Research Council.

Research
project: Bone tissue engineering and regenerative
medicine are promising strategies for treating bone diseases and reconstructing
bone defects. Recent studies have shown that mechanical stimulation enhances
bone tissue regeneration in vitro to a certain extent. The objective of this
task is to use a combination of computational modelling (CFD, FEA, FSI) and
theoretical adaptive algorithms to predict bone formation under the mechanical
stimuli generated in a tissue engineering bioreactor. High-resolution computational
models of tissue engineered scaffolds and cells will be generated to predict
the experimental conditions required to produce physiologically relevant
cellular stimulation. The research student will be trained in one or more of
the following areas: finite element analysis, fluid structure interaction,
multiscale modelling and homogenization theory. The researcher will work
closely with other members of a multidisciplinary project team including PIs,
clinicians, postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers in the Biomechanics
Research Cluster (BMEC) and the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering
Sciences (NCBES). The student will undertake graduate modules through a
Structured PhD Program.

Research
Environment: The research will be carried out at
the National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES) and the College
of Engineering and Informatics at NUI Galway. NUI Galway is highly committed to
research and Biomedical Science and Engineering is one of the key research
priorities. The NCBES is a hub for biomedical research, representing all of NUI
Galway's Biomedical Science and Engineering research programmes, which
transcend school and college boundaries, involving academic researchers from
Science, Engineering and Informatics, Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences
Colleges and associated research institutes. The completion of the €53-million
Engineering Building at NUI Galway has provided state of the art facilities
dedicated to Biomedical Engineering. 

Applicants must hold a Bachelors degree in Mechanical or Biomedical
Engineering, or a related field. We seek a student who has breadth of vision and experience
in addition to outstanding undergraduate
achievement. The minimum qualification for the award of a Scholarship is a
primary degree with Second Class Honours, Grade 1. Excellent
communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, independent
initiative and ability to work in a collaborative environment are required. The student will receive an annual stipend and in addition,
fees will be paid.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, which highlights
the candidate’s interest in the field and reasons for pursuing a PhD, and a CV by
email to Dr. Laoise McNamara at Laoise.McNamara@nuigalway.ie
by May 31st 2012. Informal enquiries are welcome at the same e-mail
address.