2 PhD Positions in Spine Biomechanics

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.
2 PhD Positions in Spine Biomechanics We are excited to announce two PhD studentships in our Biomedical Engineering team to pursue translational research in the area of lumbar spine biomechanics.  Research topic: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is a debilitating and painful disease of the lower back and one of the most common reasons for spinal surgery in people over the age of 65. However, the choice between the two major types of surgical treatment - decompression or fusion - remains con-troversial, particularly in the setting of "low grade" DS. Currently, DS is measured based on static radiographs, which do not capture the dynamic nature of this instability. Basic data sets on a dynamic mechanical phenotype of DS are currently lacking. The study seeks to improve our basic understanding of two potential novel parameters, which are not fully considered in the assessment and treatment planning of patients with LSS + DS: the true, dynamic assessment of DS and the analysis of paraspinal muscle composition.  In Aim 1, we will use quantitative dynamic biplanar radiographic imaging (DBRI) - X-ray-based videos - to assess the preoperative continuous, rotational and translational kinematics of the affected segment during a nominal flexion-extension task. We will compare the dynamic DS obtained with DBRI with conventionally obtained static measures of DS (e.g. lateral X-ray imaging and supine MRI) and investigate correlations with pain and disability scores. For this purpose, we have a state-of-the-art Human Motion Analysis Laboratory which includes a highspeed DBRI system.  In Aim 2, we will use advanced MRI segmentation methods to quantify preoperative paraspinal muscle composition (fat infiltration) and determine correlations with preoperative dynamic DS, pain and disability scores.
Your tasks
Broadly speaking, one PhD studentship will focus on Aim 1, while the second PhD studentship will focus on Aim 2, with close collaboration between the two PhD researchers and the rest of the team.  
PhD 1: Dynamic Biplane Radiographic Imaging to Assess Lumbar Kinematics of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Patients 
Tasks will involve acquiring in vivo patient datasets related to whole body surface marker-based motion capture of whole body kinematics and novel DBRI-based lumbar spinal kinematics before and after surgery. These datasets will then be processed using our in-house data processing pipelines. Analysis and interpretation of the kinematics datasets will be conducted in collaboration with members of the research team at Empa and our clinical partners at Inselspital.  PhD 2: Paraspinal Muscle Compositional Analysis of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Patients using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques  Tasks will involve acquiring in vivo patient MRI datasets of lumbar paraspinal muscles. Imaging sequences to obtain muscle morphology and muscle composition, particularly fat content and fatty infiltration will be optimized and implemented. These datasets will then be processed with previously developed pipelines. Analysis and interpretation of these will be conducted in collaboration of with members of the research team at Empa and our clinical partners at Inselspital.
Your profile

• Enthusiastic, hard-working and curious with a willingness to learn, integrate and apply principles of movement biomechanics and biomedical imaging to understand the human musculoskeletal system. 
• Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or equivalent with background in Biomechanics. 
• Applied knowledge of medical imaging such as computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging, including segmentation of medical DICOM format images and processing to develop 3D models of bones, muscles and other associated soft tissues. 
• Knowledge of human movement biomechanics including data acquisition methods using skin marker-based motion capture techniques. 
• Proficiency in English, knowledge of German and French is a plus 
• Experience with Matlab, Python, XML 
• Understanding of human 3D kinematics and kinetics 
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams including engineers and clinicians 

Preferable 

• Background in working with human patients on clinical and/or translational research. 
• Excellent scientific communication skills, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publication/s as first author and/or presentations at scientific conferences and meetings. 
• Knowledge of applied statistics, including ANOVA. 
• Programing in R.

Our offer
We offer an international, highly stimulating research environment with excellent infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surroundings with plenty of possibilities for personal and professional development. The students will matriculate at the University of Berne and be supervised by Prof. Dr. Ameet Aiyangar with co-supervision from faculty members of the Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Paediatric Radiology, Inselspital University Hospital, Berne. Application deadline: 15th April 2025.
We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.
We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please state clearly in your letter of motivation which of the two positions you would like to apply for. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.