University of Bath
6 days ago
PhD in Mechanical Engineering: Modelling Synovial Fluid Rheology in Lubricated Prosthetic Joints University of Bath in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Competition-funded PhD studentship from the Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Bath. Studentships are available for Home and Overseas students, though Overseas places are capped under UKRI policy. Funding covers tuition fees, provides a £1,000 per annum training support fee, and includes a maintenance stipend of £21,805 at the 2026/27 rate. International students must cover Student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge costs from personal funds.
Deadline
Nov 29, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Bath

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
Bath Engineering & Design Studentships at the University of Bath are offering a PhD in Mechanical Engineering on the modelling of the complex rheological behaviour of synovial fluid in lubricated prosthetic joints.
This project sits at the intersection of fluid mechanics, numerical methods, tribology, biofluids, and computational fluid dynamics. The research focuses on joint replacement lubrication, wear, and the role of protein aggregation and shear-thinning behaviour in synovial fluid. The proposed work will use numerical solvers, multi-species transport modelling, shear-breakdown behaviour of protein aggregates, multiscale modelling of mixed lubrication regimes, and parallelised code development to help build a digital twin of a hip implant.
Supervision is listed by Dr Lee Nissim, Dr James Ewen, and Prof Richie Gill in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be directed to Dr Lee Nissim.
Applicants should have a strong background in fluid mechanics and numerical methods. Experience writing numerical solvers is essential or at least a strong willingness to learn. The post also seeks candidates interested in non-Newtonian fluids, tribology, and high performance computing (HPC). A UK 1st or 2.1 honours degree, or international equivalent, is required; a master’s degree is advantageous. Non-UK applicants not currently studying in the UK must meet the English language requirement before the deadline.
This is a competition-funded PhD studentship. Funding is available for Home and Overseas students, although Overseas awards are capped under UKRI policy. The studentship covers tuition fees, includes a £1,000 per year training support fee, and provides a maintenance stipend of £21,805 (2026/27 rate). International students must pay their own Student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge costs.
The expected start date is 04 October 2027, with an alternative start date possible by agreement with the supervisors and Doctoral College. The application deadline shown is 2026-11-29.
To apply, submit the University of Bath online application for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. In the funding section choose University of Bath URSA. In the project fields, quote the project title exactly and name the lead supervisor. If applying for two projects, complete the second-choice project fields as instructed.
Funding details
Competition-funded PhD studentship from the Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Bath. Studentships are available for Home and Overseas students, though Overseas places are capped under UKRI policy. Funding covers tuition fees, provides a £1,000 per annum training support fee, and includes a maintenance stipend of £21,805 at the 2026/27 rate. International students must cover Student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge costs from personal funds.
What's required
Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a UK Honours degree at 1st or 2.1 level, or an international equivalent. A master’s level qualification would be advantageous. Candidates should have a solid background in fluid mechanics and numerical methods; experience writing numerical solvers and/or enthusiasm to learn is essential. Applicants should be interested in non-Newtonian fluids, tribology, and high performance computing. Non-UK applicants not currently studying in the UK must meet the programme’s English language requirement before the application deadline.
How to apply
Apply formally through the University of Bath online application form for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Enter the project title exactly as given and list Dr Lee Nissim as the intended supervisor. Select ‘University of Bath URSA’ in the Funding Your Studies section. If applying for two projects, complete the second project fields as instructed.
More information can be found here
Ask ApplyKite AI

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.