Movement is essential to human life. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most prevalent disabling diseases, seriously impeding mobility. Early diagnosis and development prediction is urgently needed to prevent onset and to optimize early treatments . 

Medical Delta  - a collaboration of Erasmus Medical Center, Leiden University Medical Center and Delft University of Technology - has launched a comprehensive research collaboration including the program for Improving Mobility with Technology. This program is built on two tracks where the orthopaedics track is focused on Multiscale  computational modelling of knee biomechanics. This project aims to establish a framework for the multiscale computational modelling of knee biomechanics, in order to advance our understanding of patho-biomechanics on the  initiation and progression of KOA. The ultimate goal is to apply the knowledge of KOA etiology to design (early) treatments like conservative and surgical unloading strategies or cartilage repair to reverse these deteriorating mechanisms.

This program is embedded in the joint expertise in the Medical Delta and the successful candidate is expected to draw upon the diverse expertise of the consortium. For example, you will be expected to run cohort studies of EMC (prof. Sita Bierma-Zeinstra, dr. Marienke Middelkoop) and those of LUMC (prof .Rob Nelissen) that applies the imaging expertise at EMC (dr. Edwin Oei) and LUMC (dr. Bart Kaptein) to perform biomechanical analyses using technologies from TUD (prof. Jaap Harlaar and dr. Ajay Seth) . Moreover, combining the TUD tissue mechanics expertise (prof. Amir Zadpoor) with tissue and cell level expertise at LUMC (prof. Ingrid  Meulenbelt) will constitute a unique multiscale continuum (both experimental and computational) as a framework for the understanding of knee osteoarthritis. The Multiscale  computational modelling of knee biomechanics project will rely on computational tools to model  both the tibiofemoral joint as well as the (largely overlooked) patellofemoral joint. 

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. How can models be meaningfully individualized, driven by targeted measurements (either based on imaging (US/MRI/CT). 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

We expect that the post-doc  appointed for this position (Multiscale  computational modelling of knee biomechanics.) to present highly innovative ideas for addressing the above-mentioned challenges and take the lead in executing those as well as taking them forward. The post-doc will also be involved in identifying and supporting other initiatives within the orthopaedics track. 

Successful candidates will have a research background in biomedical engineering or a related field, with extensive experience in any combination of experimental, mathematical, computational or relevant epidemiological  approaches. Affinity with mechanobiology is a pré.

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, or potential for, excellence. It is essential that she/he be able to bridge the communication gap between technology  and medicine, and have strong oral and written English communication skills. The successful applicant will actively contribute to research and student supervision and take the lead  in establishing  externally funded research projects, as joint initiatives of the IMT  program.

Fixed-term contract: 28 months.

The 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. Coming to Delft Service organizes diverse events for new international employees and their accompanying partners, like Partner Career Workshops and Dutch Culture Workshops. Located on campus are the International Children’s Centre and an international primary school which are subjectto availability as well as several bilingual schools in the nearby surrounding. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Technische Universiteit Delft

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.

Collaboration with medical delta partners: Leiden University Medical Center and Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, is key in this project.

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 modelling and design, to analyse 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. 

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 fluoroscopy) is under development. 

The Chair of Clinical Biomechatronics (Prof. Jaap Harlaar) falls 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. This aim was recently underscored  with the appointment of dr. Ajay Seth, who came over from Stanford, as assistant professor of Computational Neuromusculoskeletal Biomechanics. 

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