PROJECT: EU Horizon 2020 Teaming Phase 2 project: “Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence – BBCE” grant agreement No. 857287.

ANNOUNCEMENT:  One part-time researcher position available for PhD student within research area of patient specific implant solutions for bone tissue regeneration.

Location of the position: “Rīga Stradiņš University, Institute of Stomatology” ltd. Riga, Latvia.

International networking opportunities: The position include participation in short-term (up to 14 days) and/or long-term (up to 2 months) training visits in world leading research centres within the network – AO Research Institute Davos and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg.  

Position starts: starting date is negotiable but tentatively autumn, 2024.

RECRUITING ORGANIZATION:

“Rīga Stradiņš University, Institute of Stomatology” ltd. (RSU Institute of Stomatology) is a commercial subsidiary company of Rīga Stradiņš University.

Young researchers will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge in the upgraded study environment where training includes planning and individual modelling using 3D technologies.

THE SCIENTIFIC AND FORMATIVE CHALLENGE OF THE BBCE PROJECT:

The overall objective of the BBCE is to develop a joint centre for advanced biomaterials development based on the long-term strategic cooperation between Riga Technical University, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Rīga Stradiņš University and Ltd. Rīga Stradiņš University Institute of Stomatology, on the one part, and AO Research Institute Davos, Switzerland and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, on the other part.

AVAILABLE POSITION:

Within the scope of BBCE project there is available one part-time researcher position for PhD student in research area of patient specific implant solutions for bone regeneration.

OUTLINE OF THE POSITION:

The BBCE project, funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 programme (WIDESPREAD-01-2018-2019: Teaming Phase 2) calls for applications of one part-time researcher position for PhD student, with attractive complementary training activities in multidisciplinary and international scientific environment. Successful candidate will have an opportunity to join the research group (group consists of group leader, two PhD students, two Postdoc researchers, two Master students, one medical engineer and two dental technicians) established within the BBCE and be a part of multidisciplinary and international scientific network.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND BENEFITS:

For PhD student the two-year part-time contract will be offered. Contract involves part time job with 10 working hours per week (445 hours per year) with annual gross salary in range of 4000 EUR – 4500 EUR.

The PhD annual gross salary will be subjected to all local taxes, social benefits and other deductions following national regulations (https://www.fm.gov.lv/en/s/taxes/). Health insurance must be covered by applicants themselves.

PhD student will undergo yearly performance assessment related to research and study activities (criteria will include: participation in BBCE training programmes, papers published).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (requirements and necessary competences):

The PhD position is open for applicants of all nationalities fulfilling the following eligibility requirements:

1. Doctor’s degree in medicine (MD) or dentistry (DDS).
2. The candidate must study in PhD program in Medicine or starts studies in 2024.
3. The topic of PhD thesis must be compliant with the scientific topic of the research group.  
4. Excellent oral and written English language skills (at minimum B2 level).
5. Good communication and team working skills.
6. Ability to carry out the independent research under the BBCE scope and to produce the data under supervision.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

1. Applicant should be able to explain outcomes of the research and summarize them into the high impact scientific publications. Each year 1 high impact scientific publication should be submitted and published.
2. Applicant should yearly participate in BBCE organized training seminars, summer schools of high impact scientific writing organized at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen Nuremberg, Germany.

DESIRABLE COMPETENCES:

1. Ability to carry out research under supervision.
2. Ambition to develop knowledge of research methodologies and discipline.
3. Deep understanding of the study field.
4. Ability to produce data under supervision.
5. Capability of critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas.

SELECTION PROCESS FOR PhD STUDENTS` POSITIONS:

Candidates are asked to apply on-line for the above-mentioned PhD position. The application must include the following:

1. CV in English (Europass format, max. 4 pages, including list of publications (if any)).

2. Copy of a valid ID document (passport or equivalent).
3. A motivation letter in English (max 2 pages), including statement that the applicant fulfils all eligible criteria listed in the paragraph above. The statement that the applicant is eligible to apply for work permission in Latvia should be included in the motivation letter.
4. Degree transcripts (MD or DDS).
5. University’s conformation that applicant is currently studying in Doctoral studies
6. Letters of recommendation (at least two).

All documents must be submitted to  bbcentre@rtu.lv before September 1st, 2024, 11.00 PM (CET).

For additional information please contact Assistant Professor Dr. med. Ilze Salma (ilze.salma@rsu.lv) and visit https://bbcentre.eu  

Selection procedure is based on two following steps: the first step includes the screening of all applications received and shortlisting of candidates; selection is based on CV, academic transcripts, motivation, and relevance to the specific research project. The second step is an interview (in person or online). Then recruitment procedure for successful candidate will follow.

Prior to recruitment, successful applicant will be kindly requested to present originals and to submit the copies translated into Latvian of all certificates and documents declared. Incorrect or lacking documentation may invalidate the recruitment procedure.