University of Edinburgh
About the Project
Project Summary
Biological composite materials, such as bone, are three-dimensional, hierarchically structured inorganic-organic composites. Bone, in particular, is a composite tissue consisting of an organic collagen matrix as its fundamental building block, impregnated with the inorganic calcium phosphate mineral hydroxyapatite. The organization of these mineralized collagen fibrils across multiple length scales, from the nanoscale to the macroscopic, is critical to its remarkable properties, enabling it to be both flexible and strong enough to resist fractures.1 This project aims to develop and apply multimodal (coherent) X-ray nanotomography2 to image the microstructural evolution of biological composite materials in response to environmental changes. In the long term, the project seeks to provide insights into the microstructural origins of bone diseases.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
· A Bachelor’s (BSc) and/or Master’s degree (MSc) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
· Curiosity-driven interest in microscopy and or biominerals.
· A solid foundation in coding/programming, with experience in one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar).
· Strong analytical skills, and the willingness to work in a multidisciplinary collaborative environment.
Desirable
· Prior experience in X-ray Spectroscopy, Diffraction or Handling of Biological Specimen.
· Familiarity with software development best practices, such as version control (e.g., Git) and modular programming.
How to apply
In the first instance, the initial application (including cover letter and CV) should be directed to:
Professor Fabio Nudelman, School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, UK. Email: [email protected]
The position will remain open until filled.
IMPORTANT
Before submitting your cover letter and CV, please complete the online School of Chemistry Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Form, entry 2025-26.
The form will automatically generate a unique ‘Response ID number’ that you must include in your cover letter.
Equality and Diversity
The School of Chemistry holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. The University is a member of the Race Equality Charter and is a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion, actively promoting LGBT equality.
The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment.
For further information, please see our University Initiatives website:
https://equality-diversity.ed.ac.uk/inclusion/family-and-carer
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email – cover/motivation letter where (theacademicjob.com) you saw this job posting.