PhD Student in the fields of Biomechanics and Bioinspiration (a) in Dübendorf

You will investigate structure-property relationships and the fracture behavior of lamellar bone at the microscale. In collaboration with clinical and academic partners from the MSCA doctoral network, you will assess whether systematic changes in the fracture behavior of bone can be identified as a function of pathology by assessing composition, structure, and properties of patient biopsies. Finally, in this interdisciplinary project at the interface of biomedical engineering, nanofabrication, and materials science, you will design, synthesize, and characterize nanocomposites and architectured metamaterials inspired by the hierarchical structure of bone for tissue engineering applications. You will be enrolled in the doctoral program in Materials Science (EDMX) at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) under the supervision of Prof. Johann Michler and Dr. Jakob Schwiedrzik. During the course of the project, you will work in a multidisciplinary team and use state of the art methods such as nanoindentation, Raman spectroscopy, 2 photon lithography, electron microscopy, and numerical simulations. Your research will contribute to understanding the effect of disease on the composition and multiscale fracture properties of bone and their impact on individual fracture risk as well as to developing novel hybrid materials with improved toughness for biomedical applications.

You must hold a Master’s or an equivalent Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or closely related fields. A high motivation to work at the leading edge of biomedical research in an international, multidisciplinary team is essential. Good knowledge of English (oral and written) is essential. Experience in biomedical or materials research is important, experience in nanofabrication and numerical simulations is desirable. As this position is part of a MSCA doctoral network, you are eligible to apply if you have not resided for more than 12 months in the last 3 years in Switzerland.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.