Optimisation of Functional Surfaces to Improve Localised Bone Interaction in Novel Polymeric Total Knee Replacement

University of Huddersfield; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Huddersfield invites applications for a doctoral researcher to join a prestigious MSCA PhD programme within the Biomedical Engineering group. The project focuses on next-generation orthopaedic implant technologies and polymer biomaterials, including surface engineering and additive manufacturing.

Candidates will work in a multidisciplinary team, applying machine learning and biomaterials knowledge to improve fixation and reduce bacterial colonisation.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication.
• Interest in advanced manufacturing, biomaterials, orthopaedics, or AI.
• Ability to work effectively within an international and multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct doctoral research within the MSCA project focused on orthopaedic implants.
• Investigate how engineered surface features influence fixation and infection control.
• Collaborate with international partners and publish findings.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

English communication

Interest in manufacturing/biomaterials

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Huddersfield Department Engineering Research Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 11 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Apr 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The University of Huddersfield is seeking an ambitious and highly motivated doctoral researcher to join a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral programme which is part of the MSCA project MicroMan4Health, focused on advancing the next generation of orthopaedic implant technologies.

Polymeric biomaterials such as Polyether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK) have become well established in clinical applications including spinal and trauma implants due to their exceptional biocompatibility, favourable mechanical properties, and radiolucency. Despite this success, their application in broader orthopaedic devices, particularly total joint replacements, remains relatively underexplored.

Recent advances in additive manufacturing present new opportunities to design and fabricate patient-centred orthopaedic implants with optimised functional surfaces. However, the relationship between surface topography, implant fixation, and infection control remains poorly understood, representing a significant barrier to wider clinical adoption.

This PhD project will investigate how engineered surface features on additively manufactured polymeric implants influence biological performance, with particular emphasis on promoting secure bone fixation while simultaneously reducing bacterial colonisation. The outcomes will contribute to the development of next-generation polymeric total knee replacement technologies with enhanced clinical performance and longevity.

We are seeking candidates with a strong academic background in one or more of the following disciplines:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Biomaterials
• Medical Engineering
• Related engineering or physical science disciplines

Applicants should ideally possess:

• A Master's degree in a relevant field (desirable but not essential depending on prior research experience).
• An interest in advanced manufacturing, biomaterials, orthopaedics, medical devices, or artificial intelligence.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication abilities.
• The ability to work effectively within an international and multidisciplinary research environment.

Experience in additive manufacturing, surface metrology, biomaterials, machine learning, microbiology, or medical device research would be advantageous but is not essential.