Research Associate in Biomechanics

The EPSRC have awarded the Biomechanics Group a research grant in the field of implant-bone biomechanics (more details here), building on research that won the 2018 Excellence in Translational Science Award from the Journal of Orthopaedic Research. Applications are invited for a 1-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position to develop and apply a new in vitro bioreactor model to investigate and optimise bone ingrowth into these additive...

Job listing information

• Reference ENG01620
• Date posted 24 March 2021
• Closing date 25 April 2021

Key information about the role

• Location South Kensington Campus (map)
• Position type Full time, fixed term
• Salary £36,045 – £48,340 plus benefits
• Department Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Category Researcher / Non Clinical Researcher

Job description

Job summary

The EPSRC have awarded the Biomechanics Group a research grant in the field of implant-bone biomechanics (more details here), building on research that won the 2018 Excellence in Translational Science Award from the Journal of Orthopaedic Research. Applications are invited for a 1-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position to develop and apply a new in vitro bioreactor model to investigate and optimise bone ingrowth into these additive manufactured orthopaedic implants.

 The appointed researcher will have access to state-of-the-art facilities including a fully-equipped tissue laboratory with a bioreactor mechanical testing system, and Imperial’s Medical Device Prototype & Manufacture Unit complete with additive manufacturing machines and micro-CT scanner. 

 The post will be based in the open and collaborative Biomechanics Group (website, newsfeed), which brings together scientists, engineers and clinicians to address interdisciplinary challenges in orthopaedic research. The lab is based in Imperial College London, a university ranked in the top 10 worldwide, located in the city centre of London.

Duties and responsibilities

• You will be responsible for developing and testing with a mechanically stimulated bioreactor system to investigate implant bony ingrowth. 

• You will analyse and interpret data and disseminate findings to appropriate audiences.

• You will be expected to interact with a wide range of disciplines, including mechanical and bio-engineers and orthopaedic surgeons.

• You will have the opportunity to supervise MEng/MSc students and to support the supervision of PhD candidates. Experiences in other teaching roles, including lecturing, will be enabled as part of the broad range of career development opportunities that Imperial College makes available to its postdoctoral research staff.

Essential requirements

• You will have a PhD (or equivalent, or near completion of PhD) in an area pertinent to the research subject i.e. Biomechanics, Bioengineering, Mechanobiology, Tissue Engineering or similar.

• Previous experience culturing tissue in vitro is essential.

• An in-depth knowledge of mechanisms for bone growth and adaptation is highly desirable, as is previous experience with a mechanically stimulated bioreactor or culturing ex vivo bone. 

Further information

This is a fixed term position for up to 14 months in the first instance.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £36,045 - £39,183 per annum.

Applicants should be aware that this role is primarily based on site, with limited ability to work remotely. Access to College sites will be reviewed regularly in line with Government and College safety advice and guidelines.

Informal queries relating to the position should be directed to Dr Richard van Arkel at r.vanarkel@imperial.ac.uk.

Should you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Miss Helen Stoneham at h.stoneham@imperial.ac.uk.