Double-PhD Positions

Laval University, Canada & Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Double-PhD Positions
Advanced Biomaterials
Materials, Processes and Biological Performances
Context
Laval University and Politecnico di Milano offer an exceptional Double PhD Program to support interdisciplinary
research projects and international education at doctoral level. The program provides competencies allowing to
autonomously develop basic research materials, processes and biological performances using an interdisciplinary
approach to enable the development of innovative products and services for the diagnosis, and therapy of human
illnesses. The main areas of interest are (see the conceptual scheme in the figure below) are i) Biomaterials science
and engineering, material properties and tissue engineering; ii) Materials processes, including surface modifications
and characterization, additive manufacturing for biomedical devices, and modern/futuristic metallurgical processes;
iii) Biological performances, including cell culture, development of in vitro models for testing, bio and hemocompatibility, eventually in vivo testing.
The double PhD positions are a unique opportunity to enhance the
Bio ‐ Material
international dimension of doctoral studies both on individual and interScience
&
university level. Since 2006, a very close and fruitful collaboration has been
Engineering
established between Laval University, Quebec City (Canada) and Politecnico
di Milano, Milan (Italy). Thus, key feature of this program is that PhD students
can carry out their doctoral course and their research projects at the Laval
University and Politecnico di Milano under the joint supervision of Professors
Bioreactors,
scaffolds, mul ‐
Diego Mantovani, Laval University, (www.lbb.ulaval.ca.) and Barbara
cell co‐culture
and advanced
applica ons
Previtali, Politecnico di Milano, (sitec.mecc.polimi.it) respectively. The
Processes
subject will mainly be focused on materials, processes and biological
Biological
&
performances
performances for the development of biomaterials and tissue engineering,
Surface
in vitro & vivo
modifica on
with special focus on bioreactors, scaffolds, multi-cell co-culture and
advanced applications. Interested and interesting candidates are sought for
fulfilling this exciting program, aiming to educate today the tomorrow leaders in the field. On successful completion
of the PhD course, the students will be awarded two national degrees from each institution.
The candidates
The selected candidates will acquire and consolidate unique expertise in this new and exciting field, thus developing
transversal competencies in advanced science and engineering, in a very international dimension. He/she will be
protagonist of an active research whose pillars are both theoretical and experimental, having the capability to learn
from the advanced PhD courses of both Universities and from the experimental activities in the two international
labs. Teams of Prof. Previtali and Prof. Mantovani interact since 2012, and are partners in an international laboratory
aiming to develop advanced materials and processes for innovative medical devices and health products. Project
management, team work and the development of self-confidence and autonomy are targeted skills. Selected candidate
will be asked to register in both Universities, and they will be required (jointly with the supervisors) to establish an
agreement between both Universities; the PhD (average duration is 4 years) will be carried out by spending 4 to 8
months per year, depending from the tasks, alternating between both Universities. Scholarship are available.
Eligibility criteria
Master or equivalent in biomaterials-related field. Candidates with a solid biology background interested in acquiring
a solid experience in materials and processes and thus developing a truly unique multidisciplinary education are
particularly encouraged. Previous experiences, publications, training or other experiences in at least one of the three
clusters (materials, processes, and biological performances) are welcome.
Please submit your CV, letter of motivation, and at least three names, affiliations and email addresses, by Nov 20,
2014, to :
Prof. Barbara Previtali: [email protected] and
Prof. Diego Mantovani: [email protected]
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact them.

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