Age-related bone fractures pose significant global health challenges, encompassing economic and psychosocial burdens, heightened morbidity, and rising mortality rates. These fractures often stem from the interplay of aging, underlying bone pathologies, and potential Covid-19 links. Existing fracture prediction tools exhibit limitations, necessitating a thorough exploration of bone microarchitecture. Our objective is to enhance understanding of microscopic cellular and matrix distinctions between healthy and pathological bones through advanced characterization methods. This research will unveil the impact of pathologies such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and Covid-19 on bone cells and their functions. Additionally, we will evaluate the effects of drug therapies on bone cells using patient samples, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of how these treatments impact bone microstructure. To recreate human bone tissue microarchitecture, we will advance human in vitro models by combining advanced biomaterials, high-resolution biofabrication, and on-chip techniques. To address this challenge, we are looking for a highly motivated candidate to apply for a PhD position (project DC4) within the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA DN) GAP, titled "Image-Guided Computational and Experimental Analysis of Fractured Patients."
https://www.gapmscaproject.com/. Within this large training network, you will be part of a cohort of 11 other PhD candidates distributed through a European network of leading bone research groups.
EmbeddingYou will be enrolled at Eindhoven University of technology within the Bioengineering Bone and Biomaterials Design and Processing groups. Our mission is to advance the understanding of physiology, pathology, and regeneration through the development of 3D in vitro models of various tissues, with a heavy focus on bone, supported by the (bio)fabrication and application of biomaterials with various distinct structures and features to be used to create in vitro environments or graft materials.
The Bioengineering Bone and Biomaterials Design and Processing groups are part of the Regenerative Materials and Engineering cluster of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Eindhoven University of Technology.
https://www.tue.nl/en/our-university/departments/biomedical-engineering .
The department offers Bachelors and Masters education programs who are integrally linked to its research areas ranging across Chemical Biology, Biosensing, Biomaterials, Biomechanics Tissue Engineering, Computational Biology, Biomedical Imaging and Modelling, with 800+ students and 200+ academic staff. The university is open and inclusive with short communication lines. The people are curious, collaborative, and strive for excellence in research and education at an internationally renowned level. Our lively campus community facilitates connections between staff and students, in an open, friendly, vibrant atmosphere that welcomes and inspires.