Spinal Health: Imaging, Modelling and Medical Devices

This PhD project will explore the variability in the biomechanics of the spine and how it affects surgical outcomes. It will involve developing a Statistical Shape and Appearance Model (SSAM) of the human spine, which integrates vertebral morphology and tissue quality data from advanced imaging (µCT, MRI, CT). The project combines image processing, statistical modelling, and finite element simulation to evaluate how patient-specific spinal geometry affects the performance of surgical devices such as interbody cages and fixation systems. <br /> <br /> Back pain and spinal disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet surgical treatments often fail due to limited understanding of spinal variation. This project aims to improve surgical outcomes and reduce implant failure, contributing to global priorities such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which include Good Health and Well-Being and Industry (Goal 3), Innovation and Infrastructure (Goal 9). <br /> <br /> The supervisory team is led by Dr Gavin Day, supported by Prof Ruth Wilcox and Dr Marlène Mengoni, offering expertise in statistical shape modelling, biomechanics, soft tissue modelling, and preclinical testing. Based in the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (iMBE), the PhD benefits from world-class imaging facilities, human tissue-grade labs, and strong partnerships with Leeds Teaching Hospitals and aligned Industry, ensuring a unique and supportive environment for impactful research. <br /> <br /> Discuss this PhD Opportunity with Dr Gavin Day by contacting: g.day1@leeds.ac.uk <br /> <br /> <br />

<p><a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals">United Nations Sustainable Development Goals</a></p> <p><strong>Background:</strong></p> <p>This project sits within a growing area of research on the evaluation and optimisation of medical devices for the spine. Current spinal implants, such as interbody cages and fixation systems, often show variable outcomes across patients because we lack a detailed understanding of how spinal shape, curvature, and bone quality differ between individuals. Building on recent advances in medical imaging and computational modelling, this PhD will use population-based Statistical Shape and Appearance Models (SSAMs) to characterise variability in spinal geometry and material properties. Combining this with finite element simulations and experimental testing provides a powerful platform to predict device performance and identify patient-specific risk factors. The research will ultimately help answer key clinical questions about surgical planning and implant design, ensuring treatments are more reliable and tailored to patients.</p> <p><strong>Research objectives:</strong></p> <p>The aim of this PhD is to develop a statistical shape and appearance model of the spine that integrates geometry and bone quality to evaluate and improve the efficacy of spinal fixation devices.</p> <p>Specific objectives include:</p> <ul> <li>Developing SSAM methods tailored to vertebral structures using µCT, MRI and CT imaging.</li> <li>Quantifying variation in spinal geometry and bone density using existing high-resolution datasets.</li> <li>Using finite element analysis (FEA) to assess how morphological and density variation influence biomechanical performance of spinal interventions.</li> <li>Collaborating with clinicians and industry partners to ensure translational relevance and device optimisation.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Training and Career Development</strong></p> <p>You will benefit from a broad, structured training programme spanning imaging, computational modelling, experimental biomechanics, and clinical translation. Technical training will include advanced medical image processing, SSAM construction, finite element modelling, and experimental validation using human tissue-grade laboratories. Alongside this, you will develop transferable skills in research ethics, project management, scientific communication, and public engagement. You will have opportunities to view spinal surgeries at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, engage with regulatory and MedTech innovation workshops, and collaborate directly with Industry on device testing. Attendance at international conferences and workshops will support dissemination and networking. Together, these opportunities will provide a strong platform for a future career in academia, MedTech R&D, or clinical translation.</p> <p><strong>Skills Required</strong></p> <p>Applicants should be motivated to work across computational, experimental, and clinical contexts. Relevant experience may include:</p> <ul> <li>Finite element modelling (preferably with some exposure to non-linear analysis).</li> <li>3D image analysis and segmentation, ideally with CT, MRI, or µCT data.</li> <li>Experimental testing of materials, with prior experience of anatomical tissue handling beneficial but not essential.</li> </ul> <p>Equally important are problem-solving skills, the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team, and an interest in translating research into real-world healthcare impact. Full training will be provided in all specialist methods required.</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>Our Commitment to an Inclusive, Equitable and Diverse Research Community: As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. 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.</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>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences </strong></em>and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong><em>Spinal Health: Imaging, Modelling and Medical Devices</em> </strong>as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-research-medical-biological-engineering/staff/6435/dr-gavin-day">Dr Gavin Day</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state in the Finance section that you are applying for the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Mechanical Engineering.</strong></em></p> <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>Applications will be considered after the closing date. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the 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>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 14 November 2025:</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><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 EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£20,780 in academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please note that there is only 2 funded place(s) available and there are 17 projects in competition for this funding.  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 aria-label="Link UKCISA" href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukcisa.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CP.R.Culmer%40leeds.ac.uk%7C0dc4615230fb46920ad108ddf03ca1ef%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C0%7C0%7C638930865422290100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0U2ovsJAkKrf9U937I%2FK9eB38ojuWIhPB4TRVtDjwEU%3D&reserved=0" id="menurf9" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.ukcisa.org.uk%2f&data=05%7c02%7cp.r.culmer%40leeds.ac.uk%7c0dc4615230fb46920ad108ddf03ca1ef%7cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7c0%7c0%7c638930865422290100%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjfbxb0eu1hcgkionrydwusilyioiiwljaumdawmcisilaioijxaw4zmiisikfoijoitwfpbcisilduijoyfq%3d%3d%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=0u2ovsjakkrf9u937i%2fk9eb38ojuwihpb4trvtdjweu%3d&reserved=0"><u>UKCISA</u></a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Gavin Day by email to <a href="mailto:g.day1@leeds.ac.uk">g.day1@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>