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University of Leeds

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PhD in biomechanics of hip replacement surgery in patients living with obesity University of Leeds in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Biomedical Engineering

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Sep 30, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Leeds

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Keywords

Biomedical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science
Obesity
Medical Science
Experimental Mechanics
Physics
Finite Element Analysis

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About this position

PhD opportunity at the University of Leeds in biomechanics, biomedical engineering, and mechanical engineering, focused on evaluating the biomechanics of total hip replacement (THR) surgery in patients living with obesity.

This funded PhD is based in the Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering within the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds, with access to clinical partners at the Leeds Biomedical Research Centre. The project combines computational modelling, finite element analysis, musculoskeletal modelling, 3D image analysis, and experimental mechanical testing using hip simulators to study how movement and loading affect THR performance and early mechanical failure.

The research uses a unique dataset of gait and MRI/image data from patients with a wide range of BMI values. The aim is to identify risks of early implant failure, validate model predictions experimentally, and develop recommendations that may help surgeons choose and position THR devices more effectively for individuals with higher BMI.

Funding: full academic fees plus a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £21,805 for 3.5 years. The award is highly competitive and part-funded through an EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Award in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Med Tech. There is 1 funded place available.

Eligibility: UK/Home fee status applicants only. Applicants should normally have at least a first-class or upper second-class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, medical engineering, or a related discipline. Excellent computational skills are expected, ideally including finite element analysis, plus some laboratory experience. If English is not your first language, the minimum requirement is IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

Deadline: applications are reviewed after the closing date of 30 September 2026, with continuous assessment as applications arrive. The project start date is 1 February 2027.

How to apply: submit a formal research degree application through the University of Leeds website. Select “Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate,” choose “EPSRC DLA (Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine),” and include the project title plus supervisors Professor Ruth Wilcox and Professor Sophie Williams. Required documents include transcripts, a personal statement, and a CV.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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