IMDEA Materials Institute is a public research organization founded in 2007 by Madrid’s regional government to carry out research of excellence in Material Science and Engineering by attracting talent from all over the world to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment. IMDEA Materials has grown rapidly since its foundation and currently includes more than 120 researchers from 22 nationalities and has become one of the leading research centers in materials in Europe which has received the María de Maeztu seal of excellence from the Spanish government. The research activities have been focused on the areas of materials for transport, energy, and health care and the Institute has state-of-the-art facilities for processing, characterization and simulation of advanced materials.

More information can be found at our webpage.

Project Background: Reconstructive surgeries frequently require multiple, often complex, procedures at a high social and economic cost. A shape-morphing implant that can be implanted using less invasive procedures and that then undergoes predesigned shape changes, leading to tissue expansion and allowing for complete degradation coupled with tissue regeneration, is a radically new treatment concept. The BIOMET4D project aims to create a new generation of shape-shifting and load-bearing implants for dynamic tissue restoration and to introduce a revolutionary paradigm in how actuators can be implemented in biomedicine. Science-towards-technology breakthroughs will be demonstrated with new shape-morphing metamaterials, 4D smart metallic actuators, advanced multi-domain optimization tools, and finally proof-of-concept for two potential clinical applications, craniosynostosis treatment and skin expansion. Technologically, this vision also goes beyond existing paradigms because of the step-by-step actuation mechanisms, enabled through the additive manufacturing of multi-material degradable metallic structures, that are targeted for an order of magnitude improvement compared to the state-of-the-art.

Project Tasks: The selected candidate will carry out research tasks that are planned as part of the project, working within a small team at IMDEA Materials Institute and within a larger European consortium. The candidate will focus on the fabrication, characterization, and implementation of electrospun membranes specifically designed for the in vitro evaluation of 4D shape-morphing implants for dynamic skin tissue expansion. This work will involve the following elements: (1) optimization of the membrane formulation, including coatings to improve bioactivity; (2) thorough morphological and mechanical characterization of the membranes, including measurements of burst pressure; (3) cell culture experiments with human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes; and (4) time-lapse experiments with the 4D-printed implants to evaluate dynamic expansion of the membranes.

The candidate should have a M.Sc. in Materials Science/Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field, with strong academic credentials.

A high level of English (both oral and written) is mandatory. No knowledge of Spanish is required, although free lessons in both English and Spanish are provided.

The candidate should have experience from their previous research in the following areas: materials characterization (biodegradation studies, ICP-OES, electron microscopy, mechanical testing, etc.), cell culture (with preference for experience with skin cell culture), and dynamic and 3D cell culture.

Screening of candidates will begin immediately. The vacancy will remain listed until December 9, 2024. Therefore, interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure the best consideration of their application.

The expected start date is January 1, 2025.

The contract will be for 6 months.

Candidates must submit their materials through the IMDEA jobs portal for full consideration.