PhD in Biomechanical Modelling: What shape features drive impingement and tissue damage in the hip joint

What: This PhD will validate and expand a computational model of hip joint impingement to identify which hip shape and alignment features drive soft tissue damage. The project will combine clinical imaging and retrospective patient data with advanced computational modelling and mathematical shape analysis to understand variation in hip geometry across a symptomatic population. <br /> <br /> Why: Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a common hip condition in young adults and athletes that can cause severe joint damage and early-onset osteoarthritis. By linking computational predictions to observed surgical damage, this research will provide critical evidence to guide treatment decisions, such as when to recommend physiotherapy or surgery, and how to plan surgical bone removal. The work supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3: Good Health and Well-being and 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, by improving musculoskeletal health and advancing engineering solutions for healthcare. <br /> <br /> Who: The project will be supervised by Dr Alison Jones, Dr Gavin Day, and Professor Sophie Williams, bringing together expertise in computational biomechanics, shape modelling, and clinical translation. Based in the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (IMBE) at Leeds, you will benefit from world-leading facilities, clinical partnerships, and a vibrant multidisciplinary environment. <br /> <br /> Discuss this PhD Opportunity with Dr Alison Jones by contacting: A.C.Jones@leeds.ac.uk

<p><a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals">UN Sustainable Development Goals</a></p> <p><strong>Background:</strong></p> <p>This project will use, and further develop, a computational model of the femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, developed at Leeds, which has been shown to generate different patterns of impingement across a cohort of patients with specific bony shape features. The key challenges for this work are the need for validation against clinically observed tissue damage and the need for shape characterisation which enabled rapid computational investigations.  Within the host institute there is strong foundational work and expertise, specialist medical image processing software and the collaborators in place to tackle these two challenges. This is therefore an exciting opportunity to advance this work to answer clinically relevant questions. </p> <p><strong>Research objectives:</strong></p> <p><strong>Aim: </strong>Identify the most important hip shape and alignment factors involved in cam-type femoroacetabular impingement through computational model validation and shape modelling of a patient-specific in silico model predicting the severity of damage.   </p> <p><strong>Objectives </strong></p> <ol> <li>Establish the relevance of model predictions to surgically observed damage of hip tissues, through a retrospective patient study.  </li> <li>Develop a shape model to mathematically describe the variation in hip joint shape across a population with symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. </li> <li>Establish the hip shape and alignment features which are most critical to severity of impingement, through a computational study utilising the mathematical shape description.  </li> </ol> <p><strong>Training and Career Development </strong></p> <p>In this PhD project, you will work at the interface of engineering and medicine to improve understanding of how hip joint shape drives impingement and tissue damage. You will develop advanced skills in computer programming, algorithm design, and computational modelling, alongside expertise in three-dimensional medical image analysis and workflow optimisation. The project will also give you experience in model verification and validation, as well as the design of computational studies informed by clinical priorities. </p> <p>You will be trained in responsible research practices, including handling clinical data and navigating ethical approvals, and gain insight into the clinical decision-making process through collaboration with consultant orthopaedic surgeons. Beyond technical training, you will develop transferable skills in project management, scientific writing for technical and lay audiences, and presentation skills through international conferences, workshops, and regular group meetings. Based in the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (IMBE), you will benefit from a multidisciplinary research environment, state-of-the-art computational facilities, and strong links with clinical partners. </p> <p><strong>Skills Required  </strong></p> <p>You will have experience in computer programming or computational modelling (ideally with knowledge of algorithm development and complex data structures) and in 3D image analysis (ideally with familiarity with clinically relevant imaging modalities such as CT or MRI). Previous experience in biomechanics or medical imaging is beneficial but not essential. Most importantly, you should have a strong motivation to develop advanced computational methods, apply them to clinically relevant problems, and work in collaboration with clinicians and engineers. </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><strong>Our Commitment to an Inclusive, Equitable and Diverse Research Community:</strong></p> <p>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.<br />  </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 <strong><em>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Science</em>s</strong> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is: <em><strong>PhD in Biomechanical Modelling: What shape features drive impingement and tissue damage in the hip joint</strong> </em>as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/288/dr-alison-jones">Dr Alison Jones</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 href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukcisa.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJ.S.Hewer%40leeds.ac.uk%7C07632c93c06a442dca3d08ddfc172939%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C0%7C0%7C638943898649349324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nylGSov8jOc7hr6X%2FmfnfQPecbVUnGqgoSqVgPGy5K0%3D&reserved=0">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Alison Jones by email to <a href="mailto:a.c.jones@leeds.ac.uk">a.c.jones@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>