Development of Novel Implant Types to Avoid Stress Shielding in Orthopaedic Implants (Joint PhD KU Leuven & BME) KU Leuven in Belgium

This joint PhD project, offered by KU Leuven (Belgium) and Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary), focuses on the development of novel orthopaedic implant types designed to avoid stress shielding—a major challenge in current implant technology. The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by Prof. Kathleen Denis (KU Leuven) and Dr. Gábor Szebényi (BME), spending 18 months at each institution. The research is embedded in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network 'CUSTOM', which unites design, manufacturing, and testing disciplines to advance patient-specific shoulder implants.

At BME, you will join the Department of Polymer Engineering, working with a multidisciplinary team on metal-polymer implants, advanced test methods, and polymeric materials. The environment offers accredited laboratories and collaboration opportunities with the Department of Applied Mechanics and Semmelweis University. At KU Leuven, you will be part of the Smart Instrumentation team in Biomechanical Engineering, dedicated to developing new surgical instruments and assistive technologies for medical applications, with access to a dynamic, multi-disciplinary network and the largest university hospital in Belgium.

The project aims to address stress shielding by designing orthopaedic stem models with stiffness closer to human bone, using porous architectures such as Voronoi and TPMS structures. You will develop computational models (finite element analysis) of the humerus and stem, and validate these models experimentally using micromotion measurements, DIC, and Fiber Bragg Grating techniques. Multiple design variants will be evaluated for biomechanical performance, manufacturability, and clinical applicability, in close collaboration with clinical partners.

As part of your training, you will undertake two three-month research stays at Semmelweis University (Hungary) for clinical verification and TU Delft (Netherlands) for advanced validation using micro-CT and DIC. The position offers extensive training and networking through the CUSTOM MSCA Doctoral Network, participation in international conferences, and collaboration with 17 other doctoral candidates.

Funding is fully provided for 36 months, including living and mobility allowances, family and special needs allowances if applicable, and travel/accommodation for research stays. At BME, the living allowance is 2721.83 EUR/month plus 710 EUR mobility allowance (tax-free), with a family allowance of 660 EUR if relevant. At KU Leuven, the scholarship is approximately 3055.61 EUR/month (tax-free, single, no dependents), adjusted for family status.

Eligibility requires a Master's degree in Mechanical, Electromechanical, or Biomechanical Engineering (or closely related field) with excellent grades, experience in numerical modelling, machine design, finite element analysis, and experimental work. Biomechanics experience is a plus. Applicants must have excellent English communication skills and must not have resided in Belgium for more than 12 months in the past 36 months, nor previously obtained a PhD. The successful candidate will also contribute to education at the Bachelor or Master level.

KU Leuven and BME offer vibrant, international environments with strong reputations in research and innovation. The project provides a stepping stone to future careers in European R&D sectors, with opportunities for personal and professional growth in culturally rich cities.

For further information, contact Prof. Kathleen Denis ([email protected]) or Dr. Gábor Szebényi ([email protected]). Apply online via the KU Leuven job portal before the deadline of February 12, 2026.