This fully funded Ph.D. position at KU Leuven focuses on the surface finishing of porous shoulder implants produced by additive manufacturing (AM), as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network 'CUSTOM'. The successful candidate will join the MnM² lab in the Department of Materials Engineering, under the supervision of Prof.

Joris Everaerts and co-promotor Prof. Bey Vrancken. The MnM² lab specializes in developing methodologies for studying the mechanical and fracture behavior of metals, with a particular emphasis on small-scale samples and advanced characterization techniques. The CUSTOM project brings together design, manufacturing, and testing disciplines to develop next-generation, patient-specific shoulder implants.

The project addresses the significant challenge of implant failure, which currently affects about 10% of artificial shoulder implants within ten years due to issues like soft tissue failure, infection, and loosening. By integrating computational design, additive manufacturing, and advanced testing, CUSTOM aims to improve implant functionality and longevity. The Ph.D. project will tackle three main objectives: (1) developing chemical and electrochemical cleaning strategies for porous titanium AM structures, (2) enabling internal surface roughness characterization using microfocus X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) and statistical analysis, and (3) identifying the impact of surface roughness on mechanical properties, especially fatigue resistance, using machine learning. The doctoral candidate will benefit from three three-month secondments at partner institutions: Semmelweis University (Hungary) for cytotoxicity testing, University of Udine (Italy) for simulation of fatigue performance, and Amnovis (Belgium) for industrial process comparison.

The position offers a highly specialized doctoral training in an international environment, extensive networking and training activities, and opportunities for research collaborations and conference participation. Applicants must have a Master's degree in Materials Science, Engineering, or Chemistry, with excellent academic results, strong English communication skills, and experience in experimental work. Experience with electrochemistry, X-ray CT, or electron microscopy is advantageous. Candidates must comply with MSCA mobility rules, meaning they should not have resided or worked in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment.

KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. For more information, candidates can contact Prof. dr. ir. Joris Everaerts or visit the MnM² lab and project websites.