Preclinical Evaluation of Spinal Therapies

A funded PhD position is available to evaluate variation in spinal treatments using engineering methods. Specifically, the project will develop and validate novel computational testing methods to evaluate the effect of patient variance on the biomechanical function following spinal treatment. <br /> <br /> Back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability in the western countries, with disc degeneration the main causal diagnosis. Current surgical options have poor long-term outcomes and are highly invasive and non-reversible. There are therefore pressing needs for a better match of patients to existing treatments and for novel, less invasive, treatments to delay or prevent the need for more invasive options.<br /> <br /> In this PhD project, you will be able to access unique experimental and computational facilities developed through large programmes of research. You will aim to develop and validate a computational testing process, which can include patient variability for the biomechanical assessment of fusion devices and/or of biomaterials for intervertebral discs. This will be used to optimise variables in preclinical design of these interventions. The studies will include the use of Finite Element Analysis and 3D image analysis alongside in vitro testing methodologies to examine the biomechanical performance of interventions and how they vary with anatomical and tissue characteristics. <br /> <br /> You will have a background in an engineering or related subject with experience of mechanics, finite element methods and numerical analysis.

<h2><strong>Background</strong></h2> <p>The studentship is part of a programme of multidisciplinary research on the sources of variance in spinal repair, supporting industry needs. It is aligned with research which developed biomechanical testing of spinal tissue pre and post intervention, for the evaluation of novel patented biomaterials and of spinal fusion devices.</p> <p>As experimental preclinical testing using either animal or cadaveric tissue is limited by the number of specimens that can be tested, the aim of this work is to complement experimental data with a computational approach to test a larger range of variables which may be critical to the outcome of treatments. These variables can be either surgical variables or patient variables such as variation in the anatomy or in tissue quality.</p> <p>Your research will develop and validate a computational (in silico) testing protocol which can assess the biomechanical effect of these variations. Computational models which incorporate realistically the population variation in both anatomy and in tissue state can inform recommendation of matching patients characteristics to treatments.</p> <h2><strong>Research objectives</strong></h2> <p>In this PhD project, you will aim to develop and validate a testing process for the biomechanical assessment of interventions for the spine which can include patient variability.</p> <p>Specific objectives will depend on your skills and preferences and can be</p> <ul> <li>the development of robust computational methodologies to evaluate mechanical performance of spinal treatment,</li> <li>the validation of computational methods based on 3D specimen-specific imaging and modelling,</li> <li>the development of population models based on machine learning methods including statistical models and on 3D image analysis,</li> <li>the acquisition of robust experimental data on the mechanical performance of spinal treatments using cadaveric tissue,</li> <li>the identification of key patient-specific characteristics that can be used to answer clinical questions.</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Skills and opportunities</strong></h2> <p>You will have a background in an engineering or related subject with experience of mechanics, finite element methods and numerical analysis.</p> <p>You will gain specific technical skills and training in computational modelling including verification and validation aspects, 3D image analysis, experimental testing of tissues, and testing of spinal interventions as well as gaining broader experience in preclinical testing of medical devices.</p> <p>During the project, you may be expected to prepare and test human cadaveric or animal tissue specimens; previous experience in handling human or animal tissue would be beneficial, but not essential. Full training will be provided on all laboratory methods and the associated health and safety requirements.</p> <p>You will learn practical aspects of project management, scientific writing for technical or non-technical dissemination, and gain presentation skills through international conferences and group meetings.</p> <h2><strong>Environment</strong></h2> <p>In these projects, you will be able to access unique computational and experimental facilities developed through large programmes of research. You will also interact with clinical or industry collaborators.</p> <p>You will join the multi-disciplinary, dynamic Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (IMBE) embedded within the School of Mechanical Engineering and the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds. The IMBE is a world-renowned medical engineering research centre which specialises in research and translation of medical technologies that promote ’50 active years after 50’. The team working on spine biomechanics is currently composed of six researchers, led by three academics.</p> <p>As a PhD student within IMBE, there will be opportunities to contribute to wider activities related to medical technologies including public and patient engagement, group training and social events. Groups of researchers working on aligned projects or using similar methods meet regularly to share ideas and best practice, and we encourage collegiate working. We will support your long term career ambitions through bespoke training and encourage external secondments, laboratory visits or participation at international conferences.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Mechanical Engineering</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Preclinical Evaluation of Spinal Therapies</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-research-medical-biological-engineering/staff/6435/dr-gavin-day">Dr Gavin Day</a> and <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/612/dr-marlene-mengoni">Dr Marlène Mengoni</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state clearly in the Finance Section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>School of Mechanical Engineering Studentship (EPSRC Grant 127833).</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 30 May 2025:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive School of Mechanical Engineering Studentship, in support of the EPSRC Grant Number 127833, providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £20,780 per year for 3.5 years. </p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£340 in Session 2025/26), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about the application process and eligibility, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p> <p>For further information about the PhD and the research environment, please contact Dr Day and Dr Mengoni by email to <a href="mailto:G.Day1@leeds.ac.uk?subject=PhD%20enquiry%20%E2%80%93%20Preclinical%20Evaluation%20of%20Spinal%20Therapies.">G.Day1@leeds.ac.uk</a> and <a href="mailto:M.Mengoni@leeds.ac.uk?subject=PhD%20enquiry%20%E2%80%93%20Preclinical%20Evaluation%20of%20Spinal%20Therapies.">M. Mengoni@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>