C4Bio - Consensus in mechanical characterization of biological tissues

C4Bio - Consensus in mechanical characterization of biological tissues

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Join the Science and Technology Group at the Department of Mechanical Engineering as a postdoctoral scholar at FIBEr – KU Leuven Core Facility for Biomechanical Experiments.

FIBEr specializes in characterizing the mechanical properties of biological tissues, such as bones, muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels, as well as biomedical products like implants and biomaterials. By mapping these properties, we aim to better understand diseases related to altered mechanical properties (e.g., osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, cartilage injury) and support the development of medical products, digital twins, and treatments. Our lab features various experimental setups and devices tailored for specific tissues and properties.

FIBEr's mission extends beyond high-quality biomechanical testing. We promote the importance of this field and strive to enhance the quality of methods through research. We serve industry, academia, and policymakers, with the goal of becoming the international reference center for the mechanical testing of biological tissues and medical products. Currently, FIBEr leads the C4Bio initiative, a community challenge for consensus in the characterization of biological tissues, launched by the Avicenna Alliance and the VPH Institute.

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Responsibilities

Since 2020, C4Bio has conducted a pilot test campaign focused on uniaxial tensile testing of porcine aorta, with over 25 research groups participating globally. The results revealed significant inter-research group variability, highlighting the need for improved consistency in experimental test data for in silico simulations.

We aim to sustain the momentum of the C4Bio initiative by further quantifying and reducing methodological uncertainty and variability, focusing on biologically relevant test methods.

Supported by the core C4Bio and FIBEr teams, you will coordinate two new test campaigns involving at least 15 research groups. These campaigns will focus on planar biaxial tensile testing of cardiovascular tissue and unconfined compression testing of cartilage. Your responsibilities will include launching the call, selecting participants, preparing test rounds, monitoring results submission (including maintaining an online data submission tool), data analysis (to quantify variabilities and uncertainties), synthesizing colloquia discussions, drafting consensus protocols, and disseminating the results widely.

Profile

We seek a postdoctoral scholar with:

  • A Ph.D. in engineering, preferably in biomedical technology.
  • Hands-on experience with mechanical testing techniques such as uniaxial tensile and compressive tests, biaxial tensile tests, etc.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of (non-linear) continuum mechanics.
  • Experience in data management.
  • Experience in project management.
  • Fluent English communication, both verbal and written.
  • A practical mindset.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work well in a team.

Note: This is a postdoctoral scholarship with international mobility. Scholarships are awarded to candidates who have not resided or engaged in a principal activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 24 months in the three years prior to the starting date. Short-term stays (e.g., holidays, conferences, preparatory visits) are not considered.

Offer

This full-time, two-year postdoctoral position at KU Leuven offers the opportunity to join a dynamic research team and build an extensive international network through the C4Bio initiative. KU Leuven provides numerous fringe benefits, including hospitalization insurance, discounted public transport, group purchasing advantages, and more.

Interested?

For more information, please contact Prof. dr. ir. Nele Famaey at +32 16 32 89 80 or nele.famaey@kuleuven.be, or Dr. ir. Heleen Fehervary at +32 16 37 92 37 or heleen.fehervary@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment. We value diversity and open dialogue as essential for ambitious research and education. We do not tolerate discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, neurodivergence, disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For accessibility or support inquiries, please contact us at this email address.

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Job Overview

C4Bio - Consensus in mechanical characterization of biological tissues