BioImplant Innovative Training Network (ITN) is a European Industrial Doctorate programme that will provide world-class multidisciplinary training to 12 early-stage researchers (ESRs) in the area of bioabsorbable medical implant development. The BioImplant ITN programme will tackle key technological challenges in this area by bringing together EU partners with leading expertise in the areas of polymer- and metal-based bioabsorbable materials for medical implants. Further details about the research programme is available on the BioImplant ITN website at https://atomic-temporary-155262192.wpcomstaging.com/

Job Description:

This position (ESR 3) involves the development of a covered polymer bioabsorbable stent for peripheral artery applications, with the successful candidate undertaking a 3-year PhD programme, in collaboration with Vascular Flow Technologies, Dundee, UK. Firstly, the functional performance of the stent system (e.g. crimp, deployment) will be evaluated through finite element analysis. The project will then develop a benchtop test platform to evaluate flow performance of a stent prototype, with further design optimisation being carried out. This project will culminate in an optimised bioabsorbable stent incorporating spiral laminar flow technology, with controlled degradation properties.

Duties: The early stage researcher recruited will be expected to carry out the following roles

· To manage and carry out their research projects within 36 months

· To write a PhD dissertation

· To participate in research and training activities within the BioImplant network

· To write articles for scientific peer reviews

· To participate in meetings of the different BioImplant consortium bodies

· To disseminate their research in the scientific community (international conferences) and non-scientific community, by outreach and public engagement

· To liaise with the other research staff and students working in broad areas of relevance to the research project and partner institutions.

· To write progress reports and prepare results for publication and dissemination via journals, presentations and the web.

· To attend progress and management meetings as required and network with the other research groups.

Qualifications/Skills required:

Essential Requirements:

· Honours Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Material Science/Engineering or Physics (or related disciplines).

· Less than four years’ full time-equivalent research experience and has not yet been awarded a doctoral degree (PhD)

· Excellent communication and organisation skills

· Fluent in spoken and written English

· Excellent writing and presentation skills

· Flexibility and ability to work in a team environment

· Availability to travel nationally and internationally two to three times a year

Desirable Requirements:

· Experience in experimental characterization of biomaterials/devices and/or computational modelling (e.g. finite element analysis/computational fluid dynamics)

Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post

Salary: Remuneration is in line with EC rules for Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN projects: http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/wp/2018-2020/main/h2020-wp1820-msca_en.pdf

This remuneration is in-line with the European Commission rules for Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant holders (Early-Stage Researchers, Innovative Training Network).

Start date: Position is available from 25th September 2019

Continuing Professional Development/Training:

Researchers at NUI Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans.

Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway. For information on moving to Ireland, please see http://www.euraxess.ie .

In line with the university Child Protection Policy, this post requires Gárda vetting.

To Apply:

Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (PDF attachments only) to Dr. Ted Vaughan at ted.vaughan@nuigalway.ie

Please put reference number NUIG 162-19 in subject line of e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm Sunday September 1st 2019

National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment.