Research Opportunities
Postgraduate Research Opportunities
The following postgraduate research opportunities are currently available at AIT. Full details of closing dates and how to apply are contained within each proposal document.
Download: Postgraduate research application form
Enterprise Ireland/Science Foundation Ireland (TIDA) funded post-doctoral position
Development of a polymeric device to aid in the repair or replacement of a damaged meniscus
Description of the project
With over 1.7 million meniscal injuries in the western world treated each year, the treatment of irreparable meniscal tears remains a major challenge for the orthopaedic community, thus a $2bn global market has emerged. One of the driving forces in this applied research is to develop artificial meniscuses which for the most part mimic the natural fibrocartilaginous tissue. The meniscus is a mechanically-sensitive tissue that can have both a positive or negative response to biomechanical stimuli, with the latter due to traumatic injury (often seen in athletes) and degenerative processes (seen in older patients who have more brittle cartilage). Treatment of irreparable meniscal tears remains a major challenge for the orthopaedic community. Removal of all or parts of the menisus eventually leads to degenerative changes of the articular cartilage.
Therefore, the aim of this work will focus on the development of a novel moist biocompatible composite material to help repair or replace a torn meniscus. This polymeric device will match the mechanical and torsion properties of a natural meniscus using combined technologies derived from hydrogel and thermoplastic elastomer systems. This proposal will also explore the manufacturability and effects of sterilisation of the aforementioned polymeric systems using conventional technologies to mass produce the device(s) in an efficient cost effective manner.
About the applicant
Applicants are invited to carry out a 12-month research project on biomaterials funded by Science Foundation Ireland and Enterprise Ireland under their Technology Innovation Development Feasibility Study (TIDA) call. This project is suitable for a candidate with a PhD in (bio)chemistry, biomedical engineering or material science/polymer engineering or such relevant disciplines. An interest in biochemistry, engineering and bio-chemical/mechanical and medical systems and applications would also be advantageous. The ideal candidate should be enthusiastic, innovative and able to work on his/her own initiative. Salary range ~ €43,000.
How to apply
Interested candidates should send their full CVs with the names and contact details of two referees to:
Anita Watts
Office of Research
Athlone Institute of Technology
Tel: 090 64 83061
Email: awatts@ait.ie
Download: Postgraduate research application form
Closing date 2 March 2012
Informal enquiries should be sent to Dr James Kennedy, Principle Investigator, by email jkennedy@ait.ie.
