The Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP) of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre in Ispra (Italy) has been selected as a Marie Curie Training Site for biomaterials testing using radiotracers. The Marie Curie Training Site Fellowships (http://cordis.europa.eu/improving) are mobility grants that are awarded for time periods of 3 to 12 months during which the fellow will be provided with training at the dedicated IHCP laboratories as part of the PhD work. She/he remains attached to her/his institution but receive from the Marie Curie Programme a subsistence allowance of 1200 euro/month and travel. The present Marie Curie Training Site aims at providing high-level interdisciplinary doctoral training in testing of biomaterials using radiotracers. The offered training encompasses both performance/release and toxicity testing of biomaterials using radiotracer methods. The doctoral training on performance/release testing will concentrate on experimental methods for mechanical, corrosive and/or wear testing in relation to material release. Furthermore, training on toxicity test methods for biomaterials, particularly metal toxicity , will be provided. The Site provides a unique combination of facilities and expertise including a 40 MeV variable energy light ion cyclotron, radiotracer laboratories, cell culture laboratories and state of the art facilities for performance testing of medical devices. The fellows will have the opportunity to interact with the industrial and research partners of the ongoing projects, participate to courses and follow a seminar programme. Candidates should have a good knowledge of biomaterials and have familiarity with related test methods. The applicants should have the capability to work in an international and interdisciplinary team. Good knowledge of English is advantageous. Candidates should supply a letter of recommendation of the academic supervisor also indicating the benefit of the fellowship for the applicant and stating that the training is recognized as an integral part of the doctoral studies. In the frame of equal opportunities, applications of female candidates are encouraged. For further information and application, please contact M.F. Stroosnijder (fax 39.0332789385 or e-mail rien.stroosnijder@jrc.it).