Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Bench-top Testing and Modelling of Urinary Sphincter Devices

Applications are invited for the following AMBER and Boston Scientific funded research positions:

Background:

Sphincters in the urinary system are muscles that allow the body to hold in urine. An inflatable artificial (man-made) sphincter is a medical device which can prevent urine from leaking when the biological urinary sphincter no longer works well.

We have been working with the urology division of Boston Scientific in Clonmel, Ireland, to better understand and characterise a range of urological tissues. The aim of this specific project is to characterise the mechanical properties of urethral tissue and the interaction between artificial inflatable urinary sphincters and the urethra. The ultimate goal is to use this information to create both a bench-top test system and in silico models of urinary sphincters applied to the urethra, to aid device design optimisation and better long-term performance.

Summary of Project #1: Development of a bench-top test for implantable urinary sphincter devices

The aim of this project is to develop a bench-top system for testing different design of urinary sphincter to aid the optimisation of these devices. The work will involve urethral tissue testing, 3D printing, test rig design and development, and medical device testing.

The researcher will work closely with other members of a multidisciplinary team including PIs, clinicians, engineers, postdoctoral research fellows and postgraduate researchers in the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Boston Scientific.

Applicant criteria & eligibility: The ideal candidate will have a PhD in biomedical engineering and extensive experience and expertise in soft tissue testing (including cadaveric tissue), in-vitro test rig design and development, biomaterials characterisation, medical device design, data analysis and computer programming (e.g. Matlab, Labview, python).

Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential as demonstrated by a strong track record of publications and presentations commensurate with career stage. Ability to work individually and in a team is also essential.  

Summary of Project #2: Development of a 3D finite element model for in silico testing of implantable urinary sphincter devices

The aim of the project is to develop an in-silico model which enables testing and optimisation of implantable urinary sphincters. The model will simulate the bench-top device and testing conducted in Project 1.

The researcher will work closely with other members of a multidisciplinary team including PIs, clinicians, engineers, postdoctoral research fellows and postgraduate researchers in the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Boston Scientific.

Applicant criteria & eligibility: The ideal candidate will have a PhD in biomedical engineering and specifically expertise in finite element modelling of soft tissues using Abaqus with proficiency in writing UMATs and subroutines, medical device design and data analysis.

Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential as demonstrated by a strong track record of publications and presentations commensurate with career stage. Ability to work individually and in a team is also essential. 

Funding: These positions are funded by the Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER) and Boston Scientific. Salary will be commensurate with experience and based on the IUA salary scales (www.iua.ie/for-researchers/researcher-salary-scales-career-framework)

These positions will be based with the Lally Lab (www.lallylab.eu) within the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering (TCBE,  www.tcd.ie/biomedicalengineering) and the Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER, ambercentre.ie).

About the Lally Lab: Prof. Tríona Lally is a Professor in Biomedical Engineering within the School of Engineering in Trinity College Dublin (TCD). Our group’s research is focused on arterial and urological tissue mechanics, vascular imaging and medical device design. We aim to gain critical insights into the role of mechanics in cardiovascular diseases, with particular focus on load induced remodelling and regeneration of arterial tissues at the material and cell level.
Using non-invasive vascular imaging techniques, such as Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging, we aim to develop novel diagnostic techniques for early detection of vascular degeneration.

We also use in vitro and in silico modelling approaches to aid the design and development of intravascular medical devices for the treatment of existing vascular and urological diseases. For more information, see www.lalllylab.eu

About the Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER): AMBER is a Science Foundation Ireland funded centre that provides a partnership between leading researchers in materials science and industry. More information can be found at http://ambercentre.ie

About the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering (TCBE): TCBE is a key research centre in Trinity College combining fundamental research with translation to clinical practice. TCBE provides a structure to bring bioengineers, basic scientists, and clinicians together to focus on important clinical needs and has four key research themes: Medical Devices & Advanced Drug Delivery, Neural Engineering, Biomechanics & Mechanobiology, Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine. More information on TCBE can be found at www.tcd.ie/biomedicalengineering

How to apply: Submit a CV and cover letter with two references to lallyca@tcd.ie with the subject heading “Urinary Sphincter – PD Project #1 or PD Project #2”. Positions will remain opened until filled but preferred start date is March 2025. Only short-listed applications will be acknowledged.

For further information and informal inquiries on the positions, contact:

Prof. Tríona Lally, PhD
Trinty Centre for Biomedical Engineering
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin 2
Ireland
Email: lallyca@tcd.ie

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