Kathleen Denis

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.

This fully funded PhD position at KU Leuven focuses on simulation-based assessment of implantation parameters affecting bone–implant stability, as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network 'CUSTOM'. The successful candidate will join the Smart Instrumentation team within the division of Biomechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, under the supervision of Prof. Kathleen Denis and Prof. Harry van Lenthe. The research group is dedicated to developing advanced surgical instruments and assistive technologies for medical applications, integrating novel sensing and modelling techniques to improve complex procedures in variable environments such as the human body. The CUSTOM project unites design, manufacturing, and testing disciplines to develop next-generation patient-specific shoulder implants. With shoulder replacements expected to rise dramatically, and a significant failure rate in current implants, the project aims to address major failure mechanisms and improve implant longevity. This PhD project is centered on computational tools for patient-specific design of additively manufactured (porous) shoulder implants, considering both anatomical geometry and local bone quality. Research activities will include determining local bone stiffness using Photon Counting Computed Tomography, creating high-resolution finite element (FE) models of the humerus and glenoid, comparing these with continuum FE models, investigating the impact of various implantation parameters on implant mechanics, and validating results with additively manufactured implants. The project aims to deliver predictive models for pre-surgical planning, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of shoulder implant procedures. The position offers two three-month research stays at leading institutions: validation of personalized shoulder implant results at the University of Birmingham (UK) and further validation with in-situ micro-CT and DIC at TU Delft (NL). The doctoral scholarship is fully funded, starting with one year and extendable up to four years, with a tax-free living allowance of approximately 3,055.61 EUR/month for single candidates, plus mobility and family/leave/special needs allowances. Travel and accommodation for research stays are covered. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Arenberg Doctoral School, receiving specialized training in an international environment and benefiting from extensive networking and collaboration opportunities within the CUSTOM MSCA network. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Mechanical, Electromechanical, or Biomedical Engineering (or closely related field) with excellent grades, and have experience in numerical modelling, finite element analysis, and experimental work. Familiarity with biomechanics is advantageous. Excellent English communication skills, independence, and teamwork are essential. MSCA eligibility rules apply: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment, and must not have previously obtained a PhD. KU Leuven offers a vibrant, international research environment in the heart of Europe, with high quality of life and ample opportunities for social and sporting activities. The university is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. For further information, contact Prof. Kathleen Denis at [email protected]. Apply online via the KU Leuven job portal before the deadline of February 12, 2026.