Developing in silico tools to test patient-specific maxilla-facial implants

An exciting, funded PhD opportunity on virtual testing of patient-specific maxilla-facial implants, in collaboration with Attenborough Medical, one of the UK's leading custom implant designers and manufacturers. The project will combine experimental testing and computational modelling, to produce in silico tools for preclinical validation.<br /> <br /> Advances in design and manufacture of medical implants have enabled the possibility of patient-specific implants, through combining 3D medical imaging and 3D printing. As patient-specific implants are custom designs, they predominately vary in design features (e.g. shape, thickness, fixation), and these features are primarily dictated by the clinical problem (e.g. type of joint and injury) and manufacturing constraints (e.g. material, resolution). The complexity of designing a patient-specific implant increases when replacing a joint in conjunction with trauma to the surrounding regions. In such instances, the design needs to consider the volume of bone resected, and the quality of the remaining bone to fixate to. This is often a problem encountered when designing maxillo-facial implants, in particular the replacement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). <br /> <br /> It is important that load bearing patient-specific implants undergo mechanical testing to ensure they are suitable for the intended application. The numerical computational technique of finite element analysis is frequently applied to virtually test maxilla-facial implants, before they are tested in clinical trials. This also provides the opportunity to examine the influence of the implant on the surrounding healthy bone. However, replicating complex anatomical features and physiological loading in computational modelling is challenging, therefore validation of these models is crucial to ensure they produce reliable outputs. <br /> This project aims to produce computational models as an in silico tool for the purpose of virtually testing patient-specific TMJ replacements. This will involve integrating both experimental and computational techniques to: 1) experimentally test a patient-specific TMJ replacement under the mechanical forces experienced during chewing; 2) construct a computational model (using finite element analysis) of the jaw and a patient-specific TMJ replacement to virtually test the implant, and validate the model against the experimental data collected. This will also examine the level of physiological complexity required in the model to obtain valid results (e.g. complexity in the material properties and muscle forces). This will ultimately produce a computational tool for Attenborough Medical to virtually test future patient-specific TMJ replacements. <br />

<h2 style="margin-top: 16px; margin-bottom: 16px;">Skills and opportunities</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, and experimental testing 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>Environment</h2> <p>In this project, you will be able to access unique computational and experimental facilities developed through large programmes of research. You will also interact with 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’.</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>Developing in silico tools to test patient-specific maxilla-facial implants</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/14133/dr-peter-watson">Dr Peter Watson</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 2025/26.</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Thursday 7 August 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, 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>If you are interested and want further information about this project, please contact Dr Peter Watson by e-mail to <a href="mailto:p.watson1@leeds.ac.uk">p.watson1@leeds.ac.uk</a>. </p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by e-mail to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>