Biomedical Engineering for testing the biomechanics of patient-specific implants

This funded PhD is an exciting opportunity to explore the biomechanics of patient-specific implants through a blend of experimental testing and computational modelling. The project will produce and validate in silico tools for the preclinical evaluation of maxillofacial implants, and help inform clinicians on improving design features. <br /> <br /> Advances in 3D medical imaging and 3D printing of medical implants have enabled the manufacture of patient-specific implants. This technology is frequently used in maxillofacial surgery and facial reconstruction, as implants are often required to accurately match the complex shape of the facial bones. Consequently, there is a variation in the design features of implants such as fracture and reconstruction plates, and the optimal design features for a given patient is often unknown. This project aims to bridge this gap by developing in silico tools to virtually test and evaluate an implant before clinical use, and ultimately determine the optimal design features. <br /> <br /> The supervisory team have interdisciplinary skills, with expertise in experimental and computational testing of medical implants and the maxillofacial region. The project also provides the opportunity to gain knowledge of the imaging-design-manufacture-clinical application pipeline from clinicians (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust) and industrial experts specializing in patient-specific maxillofacial implants. <br /> <br /> An inclusive environment and supportive application process: 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. <br /> Interested? <br /> <br /> Discuss this PhD Opportunity with Dr Peter Watson by contacting: p.watson1@leeds.ac.uk

<p paraeid="{83bcead6-a610-4ab0-ae3d-85e4bdaae70f}{33}" paraid="1031707106"><strong>Background:  </strong></p> <p paraeid="{83bcead6-a610-4ab0-ae3d-85e4bdaae70f}{39}" paraid="1212999231">Designing patient-specific implants requires an integration of engineering knowledge and a clinical insight of the problem that needs to be addressed. As patient-specific implants are custom designs, they predominately vary in design features. This is often a problem encountered when designing maxillofacial implants, as fracture and reconstruction plates can vary in terms of their shape, thickness, and method of fixation – and these choices are dictated by patient-specific factors (type of injury, region of injury etc). Therefore, there is a need to perform preclinical testing of a patient-specific design to ensure it is optimal for a given patient.   </p> <p paraeid="{83bcead6-a610-4ab0-ae3d-85e4bdaae70f}{55}" paraid="1084056476">A powerful tool commonly applied in preclinical testing of implants is finite element analysis (FEA) - a computational technique that allows engineers to simulate how an implant will perform under physiological loads. This also provides the opportunity to create in silico tools to examine the influence of the implant on the surrounding healthy bone. Replicating complex anatomical features and physiological loading in computational modelling is challenging, therefore validation of these in silico tools is crucial to ensure they produce reliable outputs.     </p> <p paraeid="{83bcead6-a610-4ab0-ae3d-85e4bdaae70f}{67}" paraid="608293535"><strong>Research objectives: </strong></p> <p paraeid="{83bcead6-a610-4ab0-ae3d-85e4bdaae70f}{75}" paraid="1711188587">This project aims to produce computational models as in silico tools to virtually test patient-specific maxillofacial implants. This will involve integrating both experimental and computational techniques to:   </p> <ol> <li paraeid="{83bcead6-a610-4ab0-ae3d-85e4bdaae70f}{89}" paraid="2073431690">experimentally test patient-specific maxillofacial implants under mechanical forces;  </li> <li paraeid="{83bcead6-a610-4ab0-ae3d-85e4bdaae70f}{99}" paraid="356909550">construct computational models to virtually test the biomechanics of subject-specific implants and the surrounding healthy bone; </li> <li paraeid="{83bcead6-a610-4ab0-ae3d-85e4bdaae70f}{121}" paraid="920907344">validate the computational models using the experimental testing data;  </li> <li paraeid="{83bcead6-a610-4ab0-ae3d-85e4bdaae70f}{137}" paraid="982538598">evaluate the influence of design features and determine an optimal design for a given patient.  </li> </ol> <p paraeid="{83bcead6-a610-4ab0-ae3d-85e4bdaae70f}{143}" paraid="735877683">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 model as an in silico tool for the purpose of pre-clinical testing. </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>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>We can help support your application! – Contact our <a href="https://contextualoutreach.leeds.ac.uk/pgr-diversity/access-to-research/">Access to Research Team</a></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 <strong>Biomedical Engineering for testing the biomechanics of patient-specific implants </strong>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.  <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 Peter Watson by email 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 email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>