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For a large, multi-disciplinary research program on the Development of
Improved EndoProstheses for the upper EXtremities (shoulder and elbow),
called DIPEX, Delft University of Technology is looking for:

8 PhD students and 4 Post-doctoral research fellows.

Delft University of Technology (DUT) is the oldest and largest technical
university in the Netherlands. DUT has 15 departments in the engineering
field. Amongst the 13 000 MSc students 10% are of foreign countries. DUT
employs 5 000 people, of which 2 700 belong to the scientific staff. Within
Europe there are official scientific collaborations with more than 20
universities, and many more outside of Europe.

Delft Interfaculty Research Centers (DIRC): In a changing social, economical
and cultural environment DUT seeks for new challenges to improve scientific
research and education. Therefore 10 multi-disciplinary research themes have
been selected within Delft Interfaculty Research Centers, in order to break
through the boundaries of the traditional engineering disciplines. One DIRC
is in the field of Medical Technology, and has currently two research
programs:
*       MISIT: Minimal Invasive Surgery and Interventional Techniques
*       DIPEX: Development of Improved endoProstheses for the upper
Extremities.

Development of Improved endoProstheses for the upper Extremities (DIPEX):
The aim of the DIPEX program is to improve the currently existing
endoprostheses (artificial joint implants) of the shoulder and elbow. The
research program is highly multi-disciplinary, and the research projects in
the program are very coherent. Realization of the research goals requires an
intensive collaboration between the engineering disciplines on the one hand,
and the medical disciplines on the other hand. This is the only way towards
results relevant for patients, medical specialists and industry.

Research program
The current endoprostheses for the replacement of affected elbow and
shoulder joints have very bad functional results. In addition, in the
operation protocol the surgeons do not use the newest technical
developments. Endoprostheses are mainly applied in case of severe fractures
or in case of severe pain complaints of rheumatoid arthritis patients. In an
intensive collaboration between the engineers and physicists of the DUT
(Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Geodesic and Applied Physics
Departments), and medical specialists of the Leiden University Medical
Center (LUMC), Rotterdam University Medical Center (RUMC) and peripheral
hospitals, the DIPEX research program will result in a substantial technical
contribution, but foremost a clinically applicable contribution, to the
development of new endoprostheses and future surgical techniques.
The research program contains the following six mutually dependent research
projects, in which PhD and post-doctoral research fellow positions are
available:

1.      Evaluation of the surgical protocol
A task analysis of the surgical team in and outside the operation theatre
will be carried out to evaluate the complete surgical procedure. In
particular it will be assessed if the surgeon has the appropriate
information in the appropriate form. In addition, the logistics of the
surgical procedure will be analyzed. In the task analysis the pre- and
peroperative protocol will be studied.
Wanted: 1 PhD student, 0.5 Post-doctoral research fellow (in combination
with project 6).

2.      3D visualization and Computer Aided Surgery
The placement of the endoprosthesis for the elbow or shoulder is highly
affected by the limited per-operative information based on 2D X-ray images.
During surgery the view of the surgical area is limited. It is desirable to
generate a 3D visualization of CT- and MRI-images, in order to help the
surgeon with the planning and a proper choice of the endoprosthesis. During
surgery it will support the correct placement of the endoprosthesis. Using a
3D computer model of the shoulder and elbow, the surgical protocol and
decisions can be practiced pre-operatively: Computer Aided Surgery (CAS).
Wanted: 2 PhD students.

3.      Functional assessment studies
There is a large variability in arm function among patients after surgery.
Many factors are likely to affect the functional result, e.g. geometric,
kinematic and dynamic properties of the musculoskeletal system of the
patient, the type of endoprosthesis and the fixation methods. Using a 3D
biomechanical model of the shoulder and elbow, and recordings of healthy
subjects and patients, the dominant factors for the functional result will
be investigated. In addition the mechanical loads on the endoprosthesis in
the daily life will be determined. In a sensitivity analysis important
design parameters of the endoprosthesis can be analyzed with respect to the
functional result.
Wanted: 1 PhD student, 1 Post-doctoral research fellow.

4.      Fixation of the endoprosthesis
The fixation of the endoprosthesis to the bone is a complicated procedure
due to the small area of attachment. The bone has large local variations in
microstructure and density. The stress distribution of the bone will be
predicted using advanced 3D Finite Element Models. Experimental validation
using (animal) experiments will be necessary. Numerical and experimental
evaluation of existing fixation methods will be done. New fixation concepts
will be developed and optimized.
Wanted: 2 PhD students, 1 Post-doctoral research fellow.

5.      Development of a new endoprosthesis
Two aspects are very important in the development of new endoprostheses,
i.e. the fixation and the functionality. The existing endoprostheses are all
based on a replica of the biological system. It might be that a completely
new concept is needed starting from alternative joint concepts. Especially
the functional aspects, the lifetime and biocompatibility of the
endoprostheses are important. Another important choice will be how to fixate
the endoprosthesis.
Wanted: 1 PhD student, 1 Post-doctoral research fellow.

6.      Development of the surgical protocol and instruments for placement
of the endoprosthesis.
Currently the functional success of the placement of the endoprosthesis is
to a large extent depending on the skills of the surgeon. A proper placement
is crucial for the functional result, and the success of a newly designed
endoprosthesis requires a proper placement procedure. Modern production
methods can be an example of the possibilities, and also modern milling
techniques can be applied. The measurement and operation protocol must be
developed, in order to realize application of newly designed endoprostheses.
Wanted: 1 PhD student, 0.5 Post-doctoral research fellow (in combination
with project 1).


Requirements
We are looking for PhD students and post-doctoral research fellows with
excellent grades, and a great interest to do multi-disciplinary team
research. Interest in medical applications is a requirement. You must have a
MSc or PhD in one of the following areas: Mechanical Engineering (control
engineering, simulations, mechanics, man-machine systems, micro-engineering,
robotics, mechatronics or production techniques), Electrical Engineering,
Physics (signal and image processing, mechatronics), Materials Science,
Computer Science (technical applications, knowledge-based systems,
visualization), Human Movement Sciences or other relevant fields.

Salary
Delft University of Technology offers PhD and post-doc contracts for four
years. Salary is according to age and experience. For the post-doc positions
the salary ranges between f4806,- and f6325,- (Dutch Guilders) or between
Euro 2185,- and Euro 2875,- per month for a full-time position. For the PhD
positions the salary starts in the first year at f3797,- (Euro 1726,-),
increasing to f4383,- (Euro 1992,-) per month in the fourth year for a
full-time position.

Applications
Application letters (written or electronic), accompanied with an extended
curriculum vitae and list of publications, must be send in before May 24,
1999. Please mention the research project of interest. Written applications
can be send to:

Prof.dr.ir. H.G. Stassen
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Delft University of Technology
Mekelweg 2
2628 CD Delft
The Netherlands

Electronic applications can be send to prof.dr.ir. A. van Keulen
(A.vanKeulen@wbmt.tudelft.nl) or prof.dr. F.C.T. van der Helm
(F.C.T.vanderHelm@wbmt.tudelft.nl).

Information
More information about the research projects you can find at the website:
http://www-mr.wbmt.tudelft.nl/dipex/dip_ind.html

or contact:
Prof.dr.ir. H.G. Stassen (program leader),
tel. +31-15-2783607 (office)/+31-15-3694026 (home)
e-mail: H.G.Stassen@wbmt.tudelft.nl

Prof.dr.ir. A. van Keulen
Tel +31-15-2786515 (office)/+31-23-5294162 (home)
e-mail: A.vanKeulen@wbmt.tudelft.nl

Prof.dr. F.C.T. van der Helm
Tel. +31-15-2785616 (office)/+31-70-3935928 (home)
e-mail: F.C.T.vanderHelm@wbmt.tudelft.nl

Information about procedures and contract conditions can be obtained at the
DUT Personnel & Organization office, tel. +31-15-2783070.


****************************************************************
Frans C.T. van der Helm, PhD
Man-Machine Systems & Control group
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Delft University of Technology
Mekelweg 2
2628 CD Delft
The Netherlands

tel. (+31)-15-2785616
fax. (+31)-15-2784717
e-mail: F.C.T.vanderHelm@wbmt.tudelft.nl
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