PhD position on Dynamic On-Body and In-Body Compression Systems

Medical devices designed for rehabilitation, prevention, or therapy span a wide spectrum, while mostly offer a simple way to aid individuals. A key role among these devices, is the application of compression. Whether it's for increasing joint's stability, limiting range of movement, or aiding in weakened functionality of an internal organ; the controlled pressure that these devices provide is the core to their therapeutic effectiveness. The mentioned devices show variations in the implementation site and therefore in working conditions; but an underlying technical problem may remain similar. For example, the technical problem can be explained by inefficiency in transferring or directing an actuator's force to the target area. Another issue is that most devices apply a constant compression and are not able to adjust to the changing mechanical environment required by the patient.

Objective

The PhD's objective is to develop technologies for dynamic and adaptable actuation in compression devices. Initially, we will consider ‘on-body' applications, which can be realized with a controlled (yet adaptable) compression level and change the loading condition to patients in occupational domain or patients with chronic pain. Common joints that are biomechanically supported by the devices include the ankle, knee, hip, spine, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Therefore, the system must be designed in such a way that it is modular, scalable, compact and can be easily applied to different parts of the body. Furthermore, the actuation principle may reach ‘in-body' devices tailored to restore functionality of internal organs like assisting drainage of the urinary bladder by the device that is surrounding the bladder. This technology development opens a new vision in the actuation design moving beyond traditional methods reaching an efficient modular actuation.

Your profile

You have, or will shortly acquire, a master's degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical Engineering or equivalent.

You have profound knowledge and skills in Actuators & Sensors, System engineering, and Prototyping techniques.

You have affinity with medical applications and device design and are willing to dive deeper into these topics.

You have good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.

You are fluent in English, both spoken and written, and have strong analytical, organizational and managerial skills.

Our offer

We offer a very stimulating position in a dynamic and international environment with enthusiastic colleagues, excellent working conditions and a green and lively campus.

A fully funded full-time 4-year PhD position;

Excellent mentorship and a stimulating international research environment;

A training program as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;

A starting salary of € 2.770 gross per month in the first year and a salary of € 3.539 gross per month in the fourth year;

A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;

The flexibility to work (partially) from home;

A solid pension scheme;

Minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of fulltime employment;

We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Non-male applicants are explicitly asked to apply for this position. This is part of the University of Twente's strategy to increase the proportion of women among its faculty and to create a working environment that is diverse and inclusive and supportive of excellence in research and teaching.

Information and application

You are welcome to contact Dr. Izad Tamadon ([email protected]) or Dr.-Ing. Malte Asseln ([email protected]) for any questions you might have.

Please submit your application before February 29th 2024 by using the “Apply now” button and include the following documents:

A motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation to apply for this PhD position in our group.

A full Curriculum Vitae including your education, publications, awards, and working experience. Your CV should demonstrate the scope of your work and education and indicate a good fit with the stated requirements for the position.

An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education, including grades.

A short description of your most recent accomplishment (master's thesis, final project report, etc.).

References (contact information) of two scientific staff members (such as the supervisor of your master thesis/final project) who are willing to provide a recommendation letter at our request.

Interviews will take place in two phases. If selected, there will be a first online interview. A subset of the candidates will be invited for a second in- person interview as well. The first round of interviews will take place before 20 March 2024.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more Tamadon, I. (Izad)

Assistant Professor

Tamadon, I. (Izad)

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Izad for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534892934

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues

Tamadon, I. (Izad)

Personal page

Tuijthof, G.J.M. (Gabriëlle)

Personal page

Asseln, M. (Malte)

Personal page

Our mission Human Touch

At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

Our mission We help to strengthen society

We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

Our mission We are sustainable

We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

Browse all jobs