PhD Opportunity in Biomechanics of Hip Replacement Surgery and Peri-Prosthetic Fracture

A funded PhD opportunity involving the application of engineering methods to improve patient outcomes following hip replacement surgery. <br /> <br /> Although total hip replacement (THR) surgery is highly effective in most individuals, there is evidence that outcomes are poorer in some patient groups, and in cases where mechanical complications such as implant failure or periprosthetic fracture occur. <br /> <br /> This project will develop a validated pre-clinical framework to understand and predict periprosthetic femoral fracture (PPF), a serious complication involving structural failure of the femur–implant construct following low-energy events such as falls. <br /> <br /> The project will combine computational modelling and experimental testing to understand how implant design, patient-specific factors, and loading conditions influence outcomes. Experimental studies will be used to validate the model predictions, using the hip simulators in our world-leading laboratory facilities, this includes unique capabilities at Leeds in THR simulation and fracture generation. Additionally, the project willl use high-resolution imaging and controlled laboratory fracture experiments to quantify failure mechanisms.<br /> <br /> The methods and evidence collected will help surgeons make choices on the type of THR device and how it is positioned to achieve optimum outcomes. The supervision team includes engineers and clinical partners, providing extensive experience in the analysis tools and clinical measurement methods. The project is part-funded by an orthopaedic company, providing industry support and ensuring a rapid translation of findings into clinical practice.<br /> <br /> 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 /> <br /> Interested? Guidance on how to apply, and more detailed information about the PhD is provided below.<br /> <br /> Discuss this PhD Opportunity with Sophie Williams or Ruth Wilcox by contacting: s.d.williams@leeds.ac.uk or R.K.Wilcox@leeds.ac.uk or <br />

<p><strong>Detailed Information</strong></p> <p><strong>Background: </strong>Total hip replacement (THR) surgery is a highly effective treatment to reduce pain and stiffness caused by conditions like hip osteoarthritis. However, complications still occur in specific patient groups and clinical scenarios, including  periprosthetic femoral fracture (PPF) in patients with poorer bone quality.</p> <p>Periprosthetic femoral fracture is a serious and costly complication, often initiated by low-energy events such as a fall. From an engineering perspective, this represents structural failure of the femur–implant system, governed by implant design, fixation method, material properties, and bone quality. These factors are typically studied in isolation, and there remains a lack of integrated pre-clinical methods to assess their combined effects. </p> <p>This PhD project will build on computational and experimental methods developed previously at Leeds. The new methods and evidence generated through the projects will support surgeons to identify the most appropriate type of THR device and for individuals. <br />  </p> <p><strong>Research objectives</strong>:<br /> 1.    Develop an experimental methodology to simulate PPF under clinically relevant loading (e.g. stumbling), including testing on synthetic, animal, and cadaveric femora.<br /> 2.    Measure fracture torque, load–displacement behaviour, strain, and fracture morphology using imaging techniques such as CT<br /> 3.    Develop CT-derived finite element models incorporating bone heterogeneity, implant geometry, and interface condition<br /> 4.     Validate computational models against experimental data.<br /> 5.    Create an integrated framework to assess how implant design and bone quality interact to influence fracture risk.</p> <p><strong>Training and Career Development</strong><br /> You will gain technical skills and training in 3D image analysis, computational modelling and experimental mechanical testing, including fracture testing methodologies and advanced imaging analysis.  The computational aspects will include musculoskeletal modelling and finite element analysis. The laboratory study will involve use of our unique multi-axis hip simulators. Full training will be provided on all laboratory methods and the associated health and safety requirements. </p> <p>You will also 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>As part of a multidisciplinary team with supervisors from academic, clinical and industrial backgrounds, you will develop skills in the analysis of medical devices that can be applied across the HealthTech sector. We will work with you to explore your career options and develop a training plan to suit your aspirations.<br />  </p> <p><strong>Skills Required</strong> <br /> A background in mechanical or medical engineering, or a related discipline with excellent computational skills (ideally including finite element analysis) and some laboratory experience.  </p> <p><strong>The Research Environment</strong><br /> You will join the multi-disciplinary; dynamic Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (IMBE) embedded within the School of Mechanical Engineering 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’. You will also have access to facilities and expertise from our clinical partners at the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre. </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>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>‘Appli</strong><strong>cation type’</strong> please select <strong>‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’</strong>. <br /> •    The <strong>admission year</strong> for this project is <strong>2026/27 Academic Year</strong>. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>‘Planned Course of Study’</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>EPSRC DTP – Engineering</strong>’. <br /> •    The <strong>project start date</strong> for this project is<strong> 1 February 2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>PhD Opportunity in Biomechanics of Hip Replacement Surgery and Peri-Prosthetic Fractures</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/232/professor-sophie-williams"><strong>Professor Sophie Williams</strong></a> and <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/mechanical-engineering/staff/192/professor-ruth-wilcox"><strong>Professor Ruth Wilcox</strong></a> as your proposed supervisors.</p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>Applications will be reviewed and assessed after the closing date of Wednesday 30 September 2026. We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early. </p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Wednesday 30 September 2026 or at the point you submit your application:</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>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 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 Faculty Doctoral Training Partnership Award, in collaboration with Depuy, providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £21,805 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 Faculty Doctoral Training Partnership Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please note that there is 1 funded place available.  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><strong>Eligibility Criteria</strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate.</li> </ul> <p>If you are unsure whether you are eligible for UK fees/funding, please visit 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 or our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a> regarding fee status for Non-UK nationals.</p> <p><strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.  </li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1 February 2027, or soon after that. </li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p>If you are interested in this project or have any questions, please do contact the project supervisor, Professor Sophie Williams by emailing <a href="mailto:S.D.Williams@leeds.ac.uk">S.D.Williams@leeds.ac.uk</a> or Professor Ruth Wilcox by emailing <a href="mailto:R.K.Wilcox@leeds.ac.uk">R.K.Wilcox@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, including how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by emailing <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>