[DMANET] PhD position in Optimization for Biomaterial, University of Twente

University of Twente
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Department of Applied Mathematics
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A full-time 4-year PhD position is available in the project

Do Cells Read Braille? Optimization Techniques for Biomaterial

The project is co-funded by 3TU.AMI, the Applied Mathematics Institute of the three Dutch technical universities, and strengthens an ongoing collaboration of the chair Discrete Mathematics and Mathematical Programming (DMMP, http://www.utwente.nl/ewi/dmmp/) and the chair Tissue Regeneration (TR, http://www.utwente.nl/tnw/tr/).

REQUIREMENTS
The candidate should have a Master's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Econometrics, or a related field. A solid background in Discrete Optimization, Theoretical Computer Science, or the Analysis of Algorithms is highly appreciated. The candidate will be given the opportunity to follow courses in the LNMB PhD program during her/his first 2 years (see www.lnmb.nl). The willingness to dive into biotechnology is a must.

WHAT WE OFFER
We offer a 4-year research position in a dynamic and international environment. The gross salary ranges from € 2.042,00 (first year) to € 2.612,00 (fourth year), plus holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus, and a number of additional benefits. The University of Twente provides excellent campus facilities, and actively supports professional and personal development. The position is affiliated to the chair Discrete Mathematics and Mathematical Programming,http://dmmp.ewi.utwente.nl. The candidate will be given the opportunity to follow the PhD program offered by the LNMB (Dutch Network on the Mathematics of Operations Research),seehttp://www.lnmb.nl.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In this project, we want to shape and enhance a completely new field in biomaterials science, namely Materiomics, based on advanced mathematical techniques in optimization and algorithm design. Materiomics aims at improving the biological performance of surfaces of -for example- medical devices such as hip implants or bone fillers. It is by now widely recognized in the scientific literature that the design of surfaces on a micro- or nanoscale has an impact on the cell behavior in its surrounding. Hence our interest in designing surface topographies that optimally support the primary functionality of the device. For background information, consult the website of Materiomics BV (http://www.materiomics.com) or the underlying research article that appeared in PNAS (http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1109861108). In the project we want to develop the necessary mathematical tools and algorithms that lie at the core of designing optimal topographies for various applications, integrating physical high throughput experiments with computer experiments. This requires new techniques for (search) algorithms, paired with sophisticated data analysis.


INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
You are invited to send your application (including curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, and a letter of motivation) as well as two letters of recommendation to the address below. Electronic submissions are highly encouraged (please attach all relevant documents as PDF).

Deadline for applications is Feb 28, 2013. The letters of recommendation can be sent after the application, but not later than March 15, 2013. The intended starting date is as soon as possible.

Please send your application to:

Prof. Marc Uetz
University of Twente
Department of Applied Mathematics
P.O. Box 217
7500 AE Enschede
The Netherlands
Email: m.uetz@utwente.nl
Phone: +31 53 4893420
http://www.math.utwente.nl/~uetzm/

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