PhD Student position – available in the PRELUDIUM BIS Project: “New composite biomaterials prepared by photocrosslinking” financed by the National Science Centre, Poland.
Starting date: October 1, 2023
The project entitled “New composite biomaterials prepared by photocrosslinking” is research project focused on development, synthesis, and characterization of novel UV-cured networks for bone regenerative medicine, in parallel with the study of their synthesis and characterization. The research work will be conducted by a scholarship recipient - Doctoral School participant. A scholarship may be awarded to a person who, at the time of commencement of the tasks in the project, will commence, on 1 October 2023, training at the Doctoral School run by the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, preceded by registration and passing the qualification procedure, in accordance with Resolution No. 19 of the ZUT Senate of 30 January 2023.
Research Tasks
The researcher (Ph D student, Doctoral School participant) will be responsible for preparation of precursors for photo-curable composites, evaluation of their physico-chemical properties, polymeric networks preparation and their characterization, including degradation tests, investigation of photocrosslinking kinetics, mechanical properties assessment, evaluation of surface properties, including water contact angle measurements and basic cell culture studies. The doctoral student will be required, during the period of performance of tasks in the project, to complete the training programme at the Doctoral School, taking part in the qualification procedure by July 13, 2023 and in subsequent qualification stages;
- the doctoral student will be required to complete the training in the Doctoral School and obtain a doctoral degree no later than 12 months after the end of the project,
- the doctoral student shall be required to implement an individual research plan consistent with the ongoing research project,
- the student should apply, not earlier than in the second year of his/her doctoral studies, for funding for a 3-months-long foreign internship at The Ohio State University (USA), in the competition conducted by the National Agency for Academic Exchange.
Project duration: four years, till end of September, 2027.
The researcher will be located at the Department of Polymer and Biomaterials Science which is involved in an interdisciplinary research focused on development and investigation of polymeric materials and biotechnological processes, including polymer science, nanotechnology and biomedical engineering. Our special interest is focused on biodegradable polymeric materials for tissue engineering applications as well as for medical techniques (implants, hydrogels, materials for tissue engineering and nanomedicine). For more insights you can visit: www.kipb.zut.edu.pl/en/
Requirements:
- Masters in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, Biotechnology or another related field;
- Experience in working with organic synthesis and polymeric biomaterials synthesis and application for tissue engineering or body implants;
- proficiency, chemical, physical and mechanical testing of polymers and hydrogels/elastomers;
- good spoken and written English.
- strong conceptual and analytical skills;
- good social and communication skills to work co-operatively in multidisciplinary teams;
- creativity, commitment and a flexible attitude.
Application procedure:
Candidates should send their CV and motivation letter to mirfray@zut.edu.pl (project leader, prof. Miroslawa El Fray). Selected applicants will be invited for an interview via Skype/Zoom/MS Teams which will be held at the end of June, 2023. Beginning of work: October 1, 2023.
Deadline:
The application deadline is June, 23, 2023.