Clinical Validation and Biomarker Discovery Using Wearable Technology for Knee Osteoarthritis Assessment

For 2026 entry, we're offering 1 talented researcher the opportunity to secure funding for a postgraduate research and join our thriving community of leading researchers within the Faculty of Biological Sciences.<br /> <br /> These competitive EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Awards offer the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £20,780 for academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.

<p>Knee osteoarthritis is a common long-term condition that can make everyday activities such as walking or standing up painful and difficult. This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to help develop healthcare technologies at the interface of engineering, data science and medicine.</p> <p>The project focuses on a wearable sensing system developed in our laboratory to measure knee movement and muscle activity during everyday tasks. By capturing objective, real-world data, the technology aims to improve understanding of how knee function changes with osteoarthritis and support earlier and personalised management. </p> <p>During the PhD, the student will contribute to validating the wearable system, collecting and analysing movement and sensor data, and exploring relationships between engineering measurements and clinical outcomes. There will be opportunities to develop skills in wearable sensing, biomechanics, clinical research, and data analysis, depending on the student’s background and interests.</p> <p>The student will work across faculties with researchers in biomedical sciences, engineering, clinicians, and people with knee osteoarthritis, gaining insight into clinical needs and patient perspectives within a supportive, interdisciplinary research environment.</p> <p>Applicants are welcome from a wide range of backgrounds, including biomedical/medical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical or electronic engineering or data-focused disciplines. Prior experience across all areas is not expected.</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of 27 March 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>To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application:</p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV </li> <li>degree certificates and full transcripts of marks 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>Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select <strong>EPSRC DLA (Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine)</strong> as your Planned Course of Study (if you do not apply to this programme code your application will not be considered)</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert in the Research Area/Title section of your application.</li> <li>For source of funding please state you are applying for an <strong>EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27</strong></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 Bachelor's Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. The Faculty of Biological Sciences minimum requirements in IELTS and TOEFL tests for PhD, MSc, MPhil, MD are: • British Council IELTS - score of 6.0 overall, with no element less than 5.5 • Internet-based TOEFL 80 (with not less than 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 19 in writing). Tests must be taken at a test centre

<p>We are offering 1 full-time PhD Scholarship in the Faculty of Biological Sciences for one UK candidate, covering a maintenance grant matching the UKRI stipend rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and UK tuition fees for 3.5 years. The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to 2.5 years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.</p> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying a doctoral degree.</li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1^st October 2026.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p>For further information about the admissions process, please contact the FBS PGR Admissions Team at <a href="mailto:fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk">fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>