Human movement is essential to living a meaningful life. Clinically, regaining the motor performance is focused upon in such diverse disciplines as rehabilitation & physical medicine, orthopedics, and neurology. Diagnosis of the neuromusculoskeletal system is critical for precision medicine in these areas, i.e. the right therapy for the right patient. This includes human movement analysis, application of musculoskeletal models, and imposed perturbations to identify neuromuscular parameters. Over the last decennia, the use of musculoskeletal models has proven to greatly enhance musculoskeletal diagnostics. However, some issues are still hindering full exploitation of its full potential. That includes (1) how can motion control (i.e. the neurological system) be effectively incorporated into these models, which is especially important in the case of neuro rehabilitation (2) how can models be meaningfully individualized, driven by targeted measurements (either based on imaging (US/MRI/CT) or system identification from perturbations) (3) multiscale modelling (in collaboration with the Tissue Biomechanics section): how can biomechanical analyses of movement be transferred to cell and tissue scales especially in the case of cartilage to analyze the onset and progression of skeletal diseases. (4) how can biomechatronics be defined and in silico evaluated using integrated computational modeling to yield optimal support for human movement.

We expect that the assistant professor appointed for this position (Computational Neuromusculoskeletal Biomechanics) to present highly innovative ideas for addressing the above-mentioned challenges. This concerns contributions to the research as well as to the educational programs of our department.

Successful candidates will have a research background in biomedical engineering or a related field, and use any combination of experimental, theoretical, computational or other approaches. The position offers a wide range of opportunities to perform collaborative, integrated research that can be applied to better understand, prevent and/or treat injury and disease including those associated with sports.

Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering or related discipline and possess a strong research track record. They must show evidence of potential for excellence in teaching at  the university level and have strong oral and written English communication skills. The successful applicant will actively contribute to research, teaching, curriculum development, and student supervision. The successful applicant will be expected to establish an externally funded research program, teach at graduate levels, and participate in professional and university service. In time, it is expected that the successful applicant will grow into a leadership role within the Department of Biomechanical Engineering.

Fixed-term contract: Tenure Track.

At the start of the tenure-track you will be appointed as Assistant Professor for the duration of six years. Section leader, department leaders and you will agree upon expected performance and (soft) skills. You will receive formal feedback on performance and skills during annual assessment meetings and the mid-term evaluation. If the performance and skills are evaluated positively at the end of the tenure track, you will be appointed in a permanent Assistant Professor position.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
TU Delft sets specific standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. TU Delft offers training to improve English competency.
Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. If you have less than five years of experience and do not yet have your teaching certificate, we allow you up to three years to obtain this.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Department of Biomechanical Engineering at the Faculty of 3mE (Mechanical, Maritime, and Materials Engineering) was established 50 years ago. Its research program comprises Mechanical Engineering techniques, such as modeling and design, to analyze the interaction between biological and technical systems. This includes Medical Instruments & Bio-inspired Technology; Biomaterials & Tissue Biomechanics; and Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control (see https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me/departments/biomechanical-engineering/).
The department is also strongly involved in the educational programs of 3mE. This includes master programs on Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanical Design (a track of the Mechanical Engineering program), and Technical Medicine. The latter program is led by the department and comprises a joint program between Delft University of Technology, Erasmus Medical Center (Rotterdam) and Leiden University Medical Center. This collaboration is known as the Medical Delta and involves various aspects of both research and education.
The department owns a well-equipped Neuromuscular Control Lab as well as a Human Motion Analysis Lab. Imaging facility are accessible through our clinical partners (Erasmus MC and LUMC). A joint motion analysis lab for high precision tissue kinematics (4D fluorscopy) is under development. 

Recently, the Chair of Clinical Biomechatronics (Prof. Jaap Harlaar) was established within the section Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control (Prof. Frans van der Helm) with the aim to further develop the clinical applications of Biomechatronics in collaboration with clinical partners. The department is now looking to further strengthen this research area by appointing an assistant professor on Computational Neuromusculoskeletal Biomechanics. 

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me