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. This interdisciplinary project integrates experimental biomechanics with computational biomechanical modelling to develop powerful in silico tools for preclinical validation of bespoke temporomandibular joint (TMJ or more commonly known as the jaw joint) replacements.<br /> <br /> Advances in 3D medical imaging and additive manufacturing have enabled the possibility of creating patient-specific implants. A recent application of such technology is the design and 3D printing of patient-specific TMJ replacements. This enables the design of TMJ replacements to consider a range of patient-specific design factors, such as bone geometry, the volume of bone to be replaced, and the method of fixation. <br /> <br /> It is important that patient-specific TMJ replacements are tested to ensure their suitability for the intended patient. This can be achieved using in silico (aka computational) biomechanical techniques to create in silico tools and virtually test the implant before use. This project aims to develop and validate such in silico tools which are capable of virtually testing and evaluating TMJ replacements under the musculoskeletal forces associated with chewing. The validation will involve experimental testing of 3D printed implants. <br /> <br /> The supervisory team have interdisciplinary skills, with expertise in experimental and computational testing of medical implants, in particular for the maxillofacial region. The project also provides the opportunity to gain knowledge of the imaging-design-manufacture-clinical application pipeline from Attenborough Medical. <br /> <br /> As a research-intensive university, we foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education.<br />

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Background</strong></p> <p>Creating custom implants tailored to individual patients is becoming more common in the field of medical engineering. Each patient-specific implant is uniquely designed, with variations in shape, thickness, and fixation method that are dictated by the nature of the clinical condition and limitations of manufacturing methods. 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 for fixation. This is often a problem encountered when designing maxillo-facial implants, in particular the replacement of the  temporomandibular joint (TMJ or more commonly known as the jaw joint).</p> <p>Given that TMJ replacements must withstand the forces associated with the everyday activity of chewing, rigorous mechanical testing is essential to ensure they are suitable for the intended application. A powerful tool for this is finite element analysis (FEA) - a computational method that allows researchers to simulate how an implant will perform under physiological loads. 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 using experimental testing is crucial to ensure they produce reliable outputs. </p> <p><strong>Research objectives </strong></p> <p>This project aims to develop computational models as an in silico (i.e. computational) tool for the purpose of virtually testing patient-specific TMJ replacements. This will integrate 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.   </p> <p><strong>Training and Career Development </strong></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>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> <p><strong>Skills Required  </strong></p> <p>Experience/knowledge of either biomechanics, finite element analysis, 3D image analysis, or experimental testing of materials would be beneficial. 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. </p> <p><strong>The Research Environment </strong></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 2026/27.</strong></em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Friday 13 February 2026.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 13 February 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</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 (currently £20,780 in academic session 2025/26) 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>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.  All candidates will be placed into the School of Mechanical Engineering Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please note that there is 1 funded place available.  If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</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>