Chemelot Institute for Science & Technology (Chemelot InSciTe) is a public-private research institute for bio-based and biomedical materials located in Maastricht. Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), DSM, and the Province of Limburg have jointly invested €60 million in order to establish an innovation and knowledge institute. The SyCaP project is a currently on-going biomedical materials project in which DSM, TU/e, and MUMC+ collaborate to develop a polymer knee resurfacing implant.

Cartilage defects are found in 63% of arthroscopic procedures, often in middle-aged patients, whose defects are most likely to progress to osteoarthritis (OA). Regenerative treatments are generally not successful for these patients. Total knee arthroplasty is not a viable option for these patients, as the high functional demands in this age group leads to vastly reduced implant lifetime and multiple anticipated revision procedures. Non-regenerative, metal resurfacing implants have been introduced to treat focal cartilage defects in the last decade. However, mixed clinical outcomes have been reported. It is believed that metal implants lead to accelerated damage of the opposing cartilage. Furthermore, metal implants do not allow for follow-up MR-imaging, and may not be suitable for all defect locations.

The SyCap project consortium has developed a non-degradable polymer resurfacing implant intended for the treatment of knee focal cartilage defects. The implant is composed of a hard-grade polymer stem, for fixation and integration in the underlying bone, and a soft-grade polymer articulating surface, mimicking the soft and smooth properties of cartilage. The polycarbonate-urethane based materials are biocompatible, facilitate post-operative imaging, and are wear resistant. Theoretically, this implant concept can be translated to any human joint. The objective of the current project is to develop computational methods that enable translation of the SyCap implant design to other joints, accommodating the complex morphology of the articulating surface and the physiological loading conditions. Feasibility of this new workflow will be demonstrated by conceptualizing two prototype implant designs and by manufacturing prototypes of the implant designs for evaluation in a laboratory environment.

To successfully translate the implant concept to other joints, the two implant components (top- and bottom layer) require tailoring to the specific target location. Step 1 will consist of developing computational methods that allow for matching the implant’s articulating surface to the morphology of the target joint surface, taking clinical data on specific cartilage damage location into account.  Step 1 will consist of developing methods to optimize the design of the implant’s stem, taking joint biomechanics and surgical considerations into account.

We seek highly motivated, enthusiastic candidates with preferably a PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Biomedical Science or similar. Experience with (bio)mechanical testing, finite element modeling, statistical shape modeling, image processing, and/or other computational methods is preferred. The candidate must have strong communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and be a pragmatic team player. Proficiency in written and spoken English is a must. A 2 year position is currently available.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Fixed-term contract: 1,0 fte for 2 years.

Remuneration will be according to standard salary levels for postdoc researchers starting with a gross monthly salary of € 3,746.- with a yearly growth (based on a full-time appointment). Each year the standard salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 20,000 students and 4,700 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts six faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.
For more information, see:
https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/maastricht-sustainability-institute-msi; http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

Department Orthopaedic Surgery, School CAPHRI

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) of the Maastricht University Medical Center, in Maastricht, the Netherlands has a long-standing clinical expertise in prosthethic treatment of osteoarthritis and regeneration of cartilage defects. The Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics is a young, enthusiastic and multidisciplinary team with an established specialization in chondrocyte cell biological and –molecular research for the fields of osteoarthritis and skeletal development.

CAPHRI provides high quality multidisciplinary research and teaching aimed at the improvement of the individual's quality of life and the population's health through innovation in public health and health care.

Research and teaching in the School are devoted to contribute to improvements in the area of public health and primary care. CAPHRI focuses on interventions in the chain of care, starting with prevention and primary care, and ending with aftercare and rehabilitation. The aim of the research is to get insight into the effectiveness of interventions, and their adequacy in meeting prospective patients' needs.

http://www.caphri.nl