Experimental approaches for pre-clinical evaluation of a novel all-polymer total knee replacement

Do you want to make a difference in patients’ lives? Are you interested in medical technologies innovation? Do you want to collaborate with industry? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then you should consider this PhD studentship opportunity offered by the University of Leeds in partnership with Invibio Limited, a proven development partner and leader of biomaterials solutions.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>About the Project</strong></p> <p>25% of patients who receive a conventional metal-on-polyethylene Total Knee Replacement report problems during the first year after their operation, and rising demand for improved performance coming from younger more active patients presents a major challenge. A novel all-polymer knee replacement, comprising PEEK-OPTIMA-on-polyethylene, has been developed by Invibio Limited to address these challenges. It is expected products such as this will deliver the innovation needed to treat musculoskeletal diseases, provide better quality of life, ensure higher standards of affordable healthcare, and drive economic growth by bringing new orthopaedic products to market that help tackle national and global health challenges.</p> <p>Tribological processes can be very complex, because they simultaneously involve friction, wear and deformation mechanisms at many different scale levels and of many different types. Although the all-polymer knee replacement has demonstrated equivalent wear, it is essential to have a better and more systematic understanding of all the mechanisms involved in the tribological contact that may ultimately influence the performance and longevity of the bearing couple.</p> <p>During this studentship, you will enhance the understanding of the fundamental tribology of PEEK articulating against both polyethylene, and cartilage, through carrying out systematic investigations of friction that build in complexity. For example, starting with simple geometry configurations and building in complexity to replicate the full geometry of a total knee replacement. The student will also study the role of surface wettability on the tribological behaviour of the PEEK, and how this compares to cobalt chrome.   </p> <p>You will be based in the <a href="https://www.imbe.leeds.ac.uk/">Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering</a>, a leading global centre of excellence in medical and biological engineering. You will be part of a collaborative, friendly and supportive research group based in the School of Mechanical Engineering. The primary supervisor, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/207/professor-louise-m-jennings">Professor Louise Jennings</a> (she/her), is an expert in tribology and developing functional pre-clinical simulation and research methods that can then be applied to medical devices and interventions. Co-supervisor, <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/605/dr-raelene-cowie">Dr Raelene Cowie</a> (she/her) is an expert in the tribology of knee replacements. Joining us from Invibio Ltd will be co-supervisor, Dr Adam Briscoe (he/him), Global Strategic Technology Manager. Dr Briscoe has worked in the orthopaedic implant development arena for 20 years and has responsibility for the delivery of all technical aspects of the all-polymer knee programme.</p> <p>You will develop skills in interdisciplinary working, and technology translation and commercialisation through a placement at Invibio Ltd. You will share your research at academic conferences (national and international) and publish papers. There will be opportunities to engage and involve members of the public and patients with your research such as attendance at science fairs.</p> <p>We are looking for a student who is enthusiastic, has great initiative, and who will work collaboratively within the team. We are open to applicants with an engineering or materials science background. We will support you in developing interdisciplinary knowledge and skills during the project.</p> <p>During your PhD, you will develop a broad range of skills relevant to academia, medicine and industry, providing you with excellent career options in the growing medical technologies sector.</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 FT </strong></em>and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Experimental approaches for pre-clinical evaluation of a novel all-polymer total knee replacement</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/207/professor-louise-m-jennings">Professor Louise Jennings</a> and <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/605/dr-raelene-cowie">Dr Raelene Cowie</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state in the Finance section that you are applying for the School of Mechanical Engineering Studentship 2026/27 (Invibio).</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 of Friday 27 February 2026. 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><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 27 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><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, in collaboration with Invibio Ltd and in support of the EPSRC Prosperity Partnership Research Grant ‘PEEK-Optima as a Platform for Natural Total Knee Replacement’, Grant number: EP/X025101/1, providing the award of 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.<br /> <br /> 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 note that there is only 1 funded place available to UK applicants only.  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>Individuals interested in this project are encouraged to contact Professor Louise Jennings by email to <a href="mailto:L.M.Jennings@leeds.ac.uk">L.M.Jennings@leeds.ac.uk</a> or Dr Raelene Cowie by email to <a href="mailto:R.Cowie@leeds.ac.uk">R.Cowie@leeds.ac.uk</a> for further information</p> <p>For questions related to the application process and eligibility, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>