3D-Printed Self-Sensing Scaffolds for Monitoring Bone Regeneration

This project aims to develop a smart scaffold for bone regeneration that, while meeting its biological, regenerative, and mechanical functionalities, acts as a passive sensor to monitor the scaffold status. The developed scaffold should behave as a resonant electromagnetic (EM) structure capable to act as a sensor that provides information about the state of the scaffold when interrogated with a radio frequency (RF) signal. A composite material based on graphene (G) and its derivatives will be developed with this purpose and the scaffolds will be fabricated using 3D printing techniques.
This is a multidisciplinary PhD project that combines different fields of knowledge and through which the student will develop extensive knowledge in electromagnetic sensors, biomaterials, nanotechnology and 3D printing, being all of them technology areas with great projections.

It offers:

Annual full-time contract for the development of the PhD project. The Research Assistant is hired each year for a maximum period of 3 until the end of the PhD project. Besides, the Research Assistant could take training activities. The gross salary is 25.020 €. In addition, the IIT covers 90% of the cost of training activities and the Research Assistant will have access to all the services offered by the University (Sports, Cultural Activities, Library, etc.).

Requirements:

The candidate must have a master's degree in engineering, physics or bioengineering. It will be valuable (but not mandatory) knowledge in 3D printing, materials science, graphene composites, signal and data processing, electronics and instrumentation or/and design of RF circuits and antennas. Having a good academic report and excellent spoken and written English will also be considered in the assessment of candidate merits.

Documents:

Curriculum vitae, academic record, cover letter and two recommendation letters.