Postdoctoral Fellowship in Spine Biomechanics (Patient-Specific Implants)

A post-doctoral research fellowship is available at the Institute for Biomechanics (Department of Health Sciences and Technology) under the guidance of Prof. Stephen Ferguson. The Institute for Biomechanics is a multidisciplinary research unit dedicated to the biomechanical investigation of the human body. We investigate the mechanics and material properties of the musculoskeletal system, as well as movement control, from a macroscopic (body/organ) scale to a microscopic (cell) scale. The position is available from 01. January 2025.

The available position is funded by an Innosuisse project: Feasibility study of patient-specific 3D-printed spinal fusion implants designed by topology optimization. The project focuses on in-silico studies and in-vitro human cadaver testing to make the link between computational and experimental spine biomechanics.

You will be responsible for conducting your own independent research, and for contributing the biomechanical testing of patient-specific spinal implants. A focus is placed on the deliverables and milestones as described in the Innosuisse project and offers room for publications and personal development. You will work closely with other scientists within the project to ensure a close alignment of scientific research goals and outcomes.

Specific duties:

• Develop an in-vitro testing setup for human cadaveric specimens to test patient-specific spinal fusion implants
• Manage ethics approvals
• Develop in-vitro testing pre-study on animal cadavers in collaboration with clinical partners
• Perform in-vitro mechanical testing on human cadaveric specimens
• Define and supervise BSc, MSc and doctoral projects of biomedical engineering students and/or medical fellows, within the research infrastructure of the ETH Zurich
• Disseminate research results in peer-reviewed journal articles and national and international conference presentations

Essential experience, skills and characteristics:

• A relevant PhD/DSc in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering or a related relevant field
• Demonstrated experience with biomechanical testing
• English proficiency
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Good track record of biomechanical-related publications in international journals
• Ability to work independently, with flexibility, humour and critical thinking

Desirable criteria:

• Experience with in-vitro (cadaveric) experimental methods in the spine
• Good track record of multidisciplinary research projects with national and international clinical and industry partners
• Experience with ethics applications
• Excellent communication skills and engagement of clinicians (collaborators)

Development opportunities:

• The post-doctoral research fellowship is initially funded for a period of one year, with the vision to extend this, contingent on the successful acquisition of additional third-party funding.
• Career development for scientific staff at the ETH Zurich places an emphasis on mobility but foresees the possibility of promotion to a non-permanent group head position ("Oberassistent:in"), with the aim to transition to a permanent scientific position beyond the ETH Zurich.