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PhD Position Development of Biodegradable Implants - Job Opportunity at TU Delft

Delft, Netherlands
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: August 15, 2025
On-site
EUR 3,059 - 3,881 per month

Benefits

Four-year fully-funded doctoral research program providing comprehensive financial security throughout PhD completion
Customizable compensation package allowing personalized benefit selection aligned with individual priorities
Subsidized health insurance discounts reducing personal healthcare costs
Monthly work costs contribution providing additional financial support for professional expenses
Flexible work schedule arrangements enabling optimal work-life balance and productivity optimization
Comprehensive relocation support through Coming to Delft Service facilitating smooth international transition
Dual Career Programme offering strategic job search assistance for accompanying partners
Access to TU Delft Graduate School's world-class research environment with expert supervision
Professional development through structured Doctoral Education Programme focusing on transferable skills
International networking opportunities through collaboration with industry partner Amber Implant

Key Responsibilities

Lead innovative scaffold design and fabrication using advanced direct ink writing technology, pioneering next-generation biodegradable implant solutions that could revolutionize spinal care treatment protocols
Develop cutting-edge bioactive peptide coatings to enhance osteointegration processes, directly contributing to improved patient outcomes and reduced recovery times in vertebral fracture treatment
Conduct comprehensive material degradation analysis and ion release profiling to optimize scaffold performance, ensuring precise synchronization between implant degradation and natural bone healing processes
Execute advanced mechanical and in vitro testing protocols to validate implant performance, generating critical data for regulatory approval and clinical translation
Drive multidisciplinary collaboration across biomechanical, biomedical, and clinical expert teams, facilitating knowledge transfer and accelerating research-to-market timelines
Generate high-impact scientific publications and conference presentations, establishing thought leadership in regenerative spinal implant technology
Contribute to preclinical validation package development, supporting the pathway from research innovation to clinical application and commercial viability

Requirements

Education

Master's Degree (120 ECTS + 180 ECTS from bachelor) or single-cycle degree (minimum 300 ECTS) in biomechanical engineering, mechanical engineering, material science, or related fields

Experience

Strong background in biomechanics, materials science, or bone biology

Required Skills

Proficiency in English language Strong background in computational modeling, particularly with Finite Element Method (FEM) Familiarity with software such as ABAQUS High-level programming skills, particularly in Python, for model development and process automation Expertise in 3D printing technologies, especially related to bio-based materials Characterization techniques such as imaging and mechanical testing Experience or knowledge of material design and topological optimization
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The global biodegradable implants market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by increasing demand for patient-centric solutions that eliminate the need for secondary removal surgeries, with market projections indicating compound annual growth rates exceeding 15% through 2030. This trend is particularly pronounced in spinal applications where traditional metallic implants present long-term complications and patient discomfort. Multi-material 3D printing technology is revolutionizing the medical device industry, enabling the creation of patient-specific implants with complex geometries and graduated material properties that were previously impossible to manufacture. This technological advancement is creating new opportunities for personalized medicine and is expected to become the standard for next-generation implant manufacturing. The integration of bioactive coatings and peptide functionalization represents a paradigm shift toward smart implants that actively promote healing rather than serving as passive structural supports. This trend aligns with the broader movement toward regenerative medicine and personalized therapeutic approaches, positioning researchers with expertise in this area at the forefront of medical innovation.

Salary Evaluation

The provided salary range of EUR 3,059-3,881 per month (approximately USD 37,000-47,000 annually) is competitive for European PhD positions and reflects the Netherlands' strong investment in doctoral research. This compensation package, combined with comprehensive benefits and relocation support, provides excellent value for emerging researchers seeking to establish expertise in cutting-edge biomedical engineering applications.

Role Significance

The candidate will work within a multidisciplinary research team of approximately 8-12 researchers, including PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty members, while also collaborating with industrial partners at Amber Implant. This team structure provides optimal mentorship opportunities while allowing for independent research leadership development.
This entry-level research position offers exceptional strategic importance as it provides direct access to cutting-edge technology development in collaboration with industry partners, positioning the successful candidate as a future leader in the rapidly expanding field of biodegradable medical implants. The role combines fundamental research with practical application, offering unique exposure to both academic excellence and commercial translation processes.

Key Projects

Development of next-generation spinal implant systems combining biodegradable metals with bioactive ceramics for enhanced patient outcomes Advanced computational modeling projects using finite element analysis to optimize implant design and predict long-term performance Multi-material 3D printing process development for complex medical device manufacturing Bioactive coating research focused on peptide functionalization for improved osteointegration Preclinical validation studies supporting regulatory approval and clinical translation pathways

Success Factors

Mastery of interdisciplinary research methodologies combining materials science, bioengineering, and computational modeling will be essential for developing innovative solutions that address complex clinical challenges while meeting regulatory requirements for medical device approval. Strong collaborative skills and cultural adaptability will be crucial for success in the international research environment at TU Delft, particularly when working with diverse teams of engineers, clinicians, and industry professionals from different cultural backgrounds. Technical excellence in programming, particularly Python, combined with expertise in finite element analysis software like ABAQUS will enable the development of sophisticated predictive models that can accelerate the research and development process. Effective scientific communication skills, including publication writing and conference presentation abilities, will be vital for disseminating research findings and establishing professional credibility within the international biomaterials research community.

Market Demand

Extremely high demand exists for researchers specializing in biodegradable medical devices and multi-material 3D printing, as healthcare systems globally seek solutions to reduce long-term patient care costs while improving outcomes. The convergence of materials science, bioengineering, and advanced manufacturing creates exceptional career opportunities in both academic and industrial settings.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Finite Element Method (FEM) proficiency using ABAQUS is absolutely essential as it forms the foundation for predictive modeling of implant performance, stress analysis, and optimization studies that are central to the research objectives. This computational capability enables the researcher to reduce experimental iterations and accelerate the development process while ensuring robust design validation. Python programming expertise is crucial for automation of analysis workflows, data processing, and integration of multiple software platforms used in the research. Advanced programming skills enable the development of custom analysis tools and facilitate the handling of large datasets generated through experimental and computational studies. Deep understanding of biomechanics and materials science principles is fundamental for developing implants that meet the complex mechanical requirements of spinal applications while ensuring biocompatibility and appropriate degradation kinetics. This knowledge base is essential for making informed design decisions and interpreting experimental results. 3D printing expertise, particularly with bio-based materials, is critical for translating theoretical designs into physical prototypes and understanding the manufacturing constraints that influence final product performance. This hands-on capability is essential for validating computational predictions and optimizing fabrication processes.

Beneficial Skills

Experience with bioactive coating technologies and surface modification techniques would significantly enhance the candidate's ability to contribute to the peptide functionalization aspects of the research, potentially accelerating project timelines and expanding research impact. Knowledge of regulatory frameworks for medical devices, particularly European MDR requirements, would provide valuable context for ensuring that research outputs align with commercial translation requirements and clinical application pathways. Familiarity with cell culture techniques and in vitro biological assessment methods would enable more comprehensive evaluation of implant biocompatibility and biological response, strengthening the overall research approach and publication potential. Project management and leadership experience would be beneficial for coordinating multidisciplinary collaborations and managing the complex timeline requirements associated with preclinical validation studies and industry partnership deliverables.

Unique Aspects

This position offers rare direct collaboration with an industry partner (Amber Implant) during PhD research, providing invaluable exposure to commercial product development processes and regulatory requirements that most academic positions lack
The project's focus on multi-material 3D printing for medical applications positions the researcher at the intersection of three rapidly expanding fields: additive manufacturing, biodegradable materials, and personalized medicine
Access to TU Delft's state-of-the-art facilities and the university's strong connections to European medical device regulatory bodies provides exceptional preparation for future leadership roles in medtech innovation
The combination of computational modeling expertise with hands-on materials development creates a unique skill set that is highly valued in both academic research and industrial R&D environments

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 4-6 years post-graduation, with opportunities for rapid advancement given the high demand for expertise in biodegradable medical devices and the strong industry connections established through the TU Delft-Amber Implant collaboration.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Scientist positions at leading medical device companies focusing on biodegradable implant development and regulatory strategy Postdoctoral Research Fellow opportunities at top-tier international universities specializing in biomaterials and regenerative medicine Product Development Manager roles at innovative medtech startups developing next-generation implant technologies Principal Scientist positions at established medical device manufacturers leading advanced materials research programs Academic faculty positions at research-intensive universities with potential for establishing independent research programs in biomedical engineering

Company Overview

TU Delft

TU Delft stands as one of Europe's premier technical universities, renowned for its engineering excellence and innovation-driven research culture. The institution consistently ranks among the top 15 engineering universities globally and has established itself as a leader in translational research, particularly in areas where engineering solutions address critical societal challenges such as healthcare, sustainability, and infrastructure development.

As one of the Netherlands' most prestigious technical institutions, TU Delft maintains exceptional international recognition and strong industry partnerships, providing PhD graduates with significant competitive advantages in both academic and commercial career paths. The university's research output and patent portfolio position it as a key player in European innovation ecosystems.
Located in the heart of the Netherlands' technology corridor, TU Delft offers unparalleled access to Europe's thriving medtech industry, including proximity to major medical device companies, innovative startups, and leading healthcare institutions. This geographic advantage provides exceptional networking opportunities and potential for future career development within Europe's dynamic healthcare innovation landscape.
TU Delft fosters a collaborative, international research environment that emphasizes academic excellence, practical impact, and entrepreneurial thinking. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion, combined with comprehensive support services for international researchers, creates an ideal environment for professional development and cross-cultural collaboration.
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