Research Scientist in Computational Materials and Implants Research

The department of Digital Design and Processing at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon invites applications for a Research Scientist to contribute to the development of clinically led, materials-oriented solutions to key healthcare issues.

Working closely with colleagues at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, we are creating materials-oriented solutions for the cardiac and vascular field. Our primary objective is to develop experimentally validated Digital Twins, which will provide improved implants and better clinical outcomes for doctors and patients.

We have an excellent infrastructure for digital design, rapid prototyping, and material characterisation. We are seeking motivated scientists to join our team and contribute to this exciting project.

Your Tasks

• Development of Digital Twins of materials and implants in collaboration with colleagues from the centre and external partners
• Development of computational models of cardiac devices in the field of minimally invasive cardiac implants using Finite Element software (ABAQUS or Ansys)
• Development of computational models of materials and multifunctional materials (e.g. polymers, bioresorbable polymers, piezoelectric polymers)
• Multi-scale and cross-scale materials modelling in cooperation with colleagues from the Zentrum
• Fabrication and processing of multifunctional materials (3D printing, electrospinning, bioprinting, extrusion, casting)
• Identifying existing standards for development and testing of materials and devices and developing testing protocols accordingly
• Preparing experimental testing protocols and reports according to existing norms in agreement with regulatory approval guidelines
• Characterisation of material properties including mechanical testing, structural, chemical, thermal, electrical, piezoelectric characterisation methods
• Validation of computational models with experimentally obtained data
• Supporting design of cardiac implants using developed models (materials and geometry optimisation)
• Preparation of invention disclosures and patents describing the developed and conceived inventions
• Procurement of follow-up funding by participating in the preparation of grant applications and their submission
• Participation in scientific conferences in the field, trade fairs and conventions
• Supervision of master students, interns, and mentoring of PhD students
• Research and analysis of existing literature in the relevant field
• Analysis of existing IP in the field
• Preparation of scientific and business presentations for conferences, meetings, and presentations
• Communication with companies, universities, and institutions with the aim of cooperation and joint work
• Procurement of materials and consumables to realise the designated tasks
• Participation in group, institute, and company meetings
• Participation in meetings with partners and subcontractors related to the engineering tasks
• Participation in trainings and learning programmes
• Preparation of documentation describing in detail the developed models, experimental protocols, and fabricated devices
• Preparation of progress reports
• Training interns, employees, and technicians to use the developed models and experimental protocols

Your Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Research Scientist with expertise in Finite Element software, structural models development, and experimental characterisation of materials. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential. A strong publication track record in the relevant field is also required.

A master's degree and doctoral studies in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, biofabrication, materials science, or a related field are necessary. Experience in independent scientific work, experimental characterisation of materials, and development of computational models of cardiac devices are also desirable.

We offer an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations. A well-connected research campus and excellent technical infrastructure are available. Individual opportunities for further training and social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service are also offered.