Research assistants -Medical device development and medical device testing- bei Universitätsklinikum Aachen AöR

As a tertiary and quaternary level provider of medical care, the University Hospital of RWTH Aachen combines patient-oriented medicine and care, teaching and research at an international level. The entire spectrum of medical care is provided through 36 specialist departments, 33 institutes and six interdisciplinary units. The co-location of patient care, research and teaching in a central building offers the best conditions for intensive interdisciplinary exchange and close clinical and scientific networking. Highly qualified teams of doctors, nurses and scientists work collaboratively to optimise the healthcare provision of our local, regional, national and international patients. Around 9,000 employees ensure that our care delivery is patient-oriented medicine and surpasses the highest quality standards. With 1,400 beds, the university hospital treats around 50,000 inpatient and 200,000 outpatient cases per year.

At the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology (ANATZ) of the University Hospital RWTH Aachen, two doctoral positions are to be filled in the group of Dr. Holger Jahr as soon as possible. We are seeking two

Research assistants (f/m/d) -Medical device development and medical device testing-

the half-time position 50% (19,25 hours/week) is to be filled at the earliest possible date and is initially limited until 31.12.2026. The aim is to continue employment for a total of three years with the possibility of a doctorate. The fixed-term employment takes place within the framework of the possibilities of the Act on Fixed-Term Employment Contracts in Academia (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz).

The Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University Hospital RWTH Aachen conducts broad research into the mechanisms of degenerative and inflammatory diseases and their regulation. The group of Dr. Jahr conducts research specifically on musculoskeletal diseases with the aim of understanding their causes and finding pharmacological, physicochemical or biomaterial solutions to medical challenges. In particular, the research of the group is dedicated to injuries to the bone and the articulating cartilage. The group of Dr. Jahr is active regionally, nationally and internationally in biomedical engineering and has historically worked closely with the engineering sciences.

For this project in particular, there will be frequent interaction with the Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Construction and the Institute of Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen University. An adequate treatment of deep cartilage damage remains a clinical challenge. To this end, a new biphasic osteochondral implant is being developed in an interdisciplinary collaboration between the University Hospital of RWTH Aachen and two institutes of RWTH Aachen University. At the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, we are focusing on the biological-functional evaluation of this new medical device.

Your tasks

The research project aims to develop a novel, resorbable medical device based on additively manufactured structures. In accordance with the latest guidelines for the evaluation of absorbable medical devices, a research assistant (1) will be dedicated to the biological-functional evaluation of the cartilage phase in order to characterize this bone-cartilage implant. This includes biomechanical aspects, cytocompatibility testing and the further development of existing bioreactor concepts for the dynamic cultivation of cartilage cells. The other research assistant (2) will be dedicated to the further development of existing bioreactors for research into the degradation kinetics of absorbable metallic implants additively manufactured using laser powder bed fusion technology.

Specifically, your tasks will include

• performing research in one or both of the above-mentioned areas to obtain a doctorate
• project management tasks in the described research project
• responsibility for work packages in ANATZ research projects
• university training and teaching activities
• publishing in national or international journals
• performing biochemical and cell biological assays
• improving and operating bioreactor systems
• evaluating the cytocompatibility of biomaterials
• evaluating osteoinduction and degradation kinetics of biomaterials and coatings
• supervision and guidance of student research projects, monitoring of results
• representing the ANATZ at national and international congresses and conferences

Your profile

• successfully completed university degree (Master's or comparable)
• an orientation in biomedical engineering, life sciences or natural sciences
• knowledge of molecular or cell biology, physiology or anatomy
• pro-active work attitude
• intrinsically curious personality
• very good communication skills