PROJECT: EU Horizon 2020 Teaming Phase 2 project: "Baltic Biomaterials Centre of excellence - BBCE" grant agreement No. 857287.

ANNOUNCEMENT

One part-time researcher position available for PhD student within research area of patient specific implant solutions for bone tissue regeneration.

Location of the position

“Rīga Stradiņš University, Institute of Stomatology” ltd. Riga, Latvia.

International networking opportunities

The position include participation in short-term (up to 14 days) and/or long-term (up to 2 months) training visits in world leading research centres within the network - AO Research Institute Davos and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg.

Position start

starting date is negotiable but tentatively, autumn 2024.

RECRUITING ORGANIZATION

“Rīga Stradiņš University, Institute of Stomatology” ltd. (RSU Institute of Stomatology) is a commercial subsidiary company of Rīga Stradiņš University. RSU Institute of Stomatology is modern dental clinic where all fields of dentistry are represented. RSU Institute of Stomatology besides clinical work also provides clinical classes for RSU dentistry students as well as medical and radiological records as a material for researches. Approximately 12000 patients visit RSU Institute of Stomatology every month. On average 70 of them receive various biomaterials, bone substitute granules and bone tissue implants in the maxillofacial area. Demand for this type of surgery is driven by the increased life expectancy of society and higher demand for quality of life and aesthetics. Modern medical materials and technologies allow the implantation of dental prosthetics and implants having much higher functional and aesthetic qualities and prevents various maxillofacial pathologies or consequences in the event of severe diseases or trauma.

Young researchers will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge in the upgraded study environment where training includes planning and individual modelling using 3D technologies.

BBCE will provide a full cycle of biomaterial development, from a laboratory concept to clinical application, focusing on new materials for bone repair, facial reconstruction, oral and maxillofacial surgery and other areas. This way the accessibility for patients of modern medical services will improve. RSU Institute of Stomatology is a host for clinical approbation of the developed biomaterials implemented in the areas of oral and maxillofacial surgery, implantology and periodontology. Meanwhile, medical and technical specialists will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, the study environment will be upgraded and training of young specialists will be improved, including improved therapy process planning and modelling skills by using 3D technologies.

THE SCIENTIFIC AND FORMATIVE CHALLENGE OF THE BBCE PROJECT

The overall objective of the BBCE is to develop a joint centre for advanced biomaterials development based on the long-term strategic cooperation between Riga Technical University, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Rīga Stradiņš University and LLC Rīga Stradiņš University Institute of Stomatology, on the one part, and AO Research Institute Davos, Switzerland and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, on the other part. Strategic research direction of Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence (BBCE) is development of patient specific personalized solutions for bone regeneration in 3 levels: biomaterial composition, geometry and bioactive compound delivery. Full cycle of biomaterials for bone regeneration development consists of continuous steps: 1. Development of biodegradable, osteoconductive and osteoinductive materials, composites and drug delivery systems. 2. Preclinical in vitro/in vivo investigations. 3. Clinical trials.

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AVAILABLE POSITION

Within the scope of BBCE project there is available one part-time researcher position for PhD student in research area of patient specific implant solutions for bone regeneration.

OUTLINE OF THE POSITION:

The BBCE project, funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 programme (WIDESPREAD-01-2018-2019: Teaming Phase 2) calls for applications of one part-time researcher position for PhD student, with attractive complementary training activities in multidisciplinary and international scientific environment. Successful candidate will have an opportunity to join the research group (group consists of group leader, two PhD students, two Postdoc researchers, two Master students, one medical engineer and two dental technicians) established within the BBCE and be a part of multidisciplinary and international scientific network.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND BENEFITS

For PhD student the two-year part-time contract will be offered. Contract involves part time job with 10 working hours per week (445 hours per year) with annual gross salary in range of 4000 EUR - 4500 EUR. The PhD annual gross salary will be subjected to all local taxes, social benefits and other deductions following national regulations (https://www.fm.gov.lv/en/s/taxes/). Health insurance must be covered by applicants themselves. PhD student will undergo yearly performance assessment related to research and study activities (criteria will include: participation in BBCE training programmes, papers published).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (requirements and necessary competences

The PhD position is open for applicants of all nationalities fulfilling the following eligibility requirements:

1. Doctor's degree in medicine (MD) or dentistry (DDS).
2. The candidate must study in PhD program in Medicine or starts studies in 2024.
3. The topic of PhD thesis must be compliant with the scientific topic of the research group.
4. Excellent oral and written English language skills (at minimum B2 level).
5. Good communication and team working skills.
6. Ability to carry out the independent research under the BBCE scope and to produce the data under supervision.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Applicant should be able to explain outcomes of the research and summarize them into the high impact scientific publications. Each year 1 high impact scientific publication should be submitted and published.
2. Applicant should yearly participate in BBCE organized training seminars, summer schools of high impact scientific writing organized at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen Nuremberg, Germany.

DESIRABLE COMPETENCES

1. Ability to carry out research under supervision.
2. Ambition to develop knowledge of research methodologies and discipline.
3. Deep understanding of the study field.
4. Ability to produce data under supervision.
5. Capability of critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas.

SELECTION PROCESS OF THE FIRST STAGE RESEARCHER

Candidates are asked to apply on-line for the above-mentioned PhD position. The application must include the following:

1. CV in English (Europass format, max. 4 pages, including list of publications (if any)).
2. Copy of a valid ID document (passport or equivalent).
3. A motivation letter in English (max 2 pages), including statement that the applicant fulfils all eligible criteria listed in the paragraph above. The statement that the applicant is eligible to apply for work permission in Latvia should be included in the motivation letter.
4. Degree transcripts (MD or DDS).
5. University's conformation that applicant is currently studying in Doctoral studies
6. Letters of recommendation (at least two).

All documents must be submitted to bbcentre@rtu.lv before October 20th, 2024, 23:00 PM (CET).

For additional information please contact Assistant Professor Dr. med. Ilze Salma (ilze.salma@rsu.lv) and visit https://bbcentre.eu

Selection procedure is based on two following steps: the first step includes the screening of all applications received and shortlisting of candidates; selection is based on CV, academic transcripts, motivation, and relevance to the specific research project. The second step is an interview (in person or online). Then recruitment procedure for successful candidate will follow. Prior to recruitment, successful applicant will be kindly requested to present originals and to submit the copies translated into Latvian of all certificates and documents declared. Incorrect or lacking documentation may invalidate the recruitment procedure.

When applying for a competition, the candidate agrees to the processing of his personal data pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/95 / EC / 46 / EC .

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